The Glory of the Impossible

Much of my time and effort over the last 3-4 weeks has been preparing for our Plano Office Open House. I was part of a team that planned and orchestrated this event, which was held on Sunday, September 25th. Although it was a lot of work, it was really an awesome time of celebrating what God has done.

When I arrived in Plano 3 years ago this month, there were 3 of us in the back corner of the First Baptist Church. The rest of the staff was in Seattle, although it felt like we were two separate entities. I loved my work with Kent and Erika, and we definitely made do with what we had.

Two years ago the Board voted after much research and prayer to move the home office to the Dallas area. There was greater access to donors, volunteers, and other like-minded organizations here, plus the cost of living was lower. I got to be part of the team that explored the Metroplex to find the best location and building for the new MUP office.

I remember the first time we saw the building that is now our office. It had been vacant for quite awhile, but there was something exciting about dreaming of what could be. From the very beginning I knew this would be "our building".

Office staff from Seattle started to make the move and we expanded our little space in FBC as more and more were added. Plans moved forward to lease our new building but then roadblocks came along that prevented us from moving in. It was over a year after we signed the lease that we finally got the clearance to move in, in May of this year. We went from having 3 people in each office at the church to each having our own space as well as lovely training and meeting areas.

All along the way God provided exactly what we needed. We have had to buy very little furniture, but churches, organizations and individuals have donated very nice furniture and every office is filled! At our worldwide conference in February, our field staff brought items from their areas that represented their faith in what God was going to do in their people group. These items have added a beauty to the home office and daily reminders of God's faithfulness. We prayed for a stove and refrigerator for the kitchen, we prayed for chairs for the training room, and God has answered those prayers exactly in His timing and to fit our needs.

Sunday as guests came through our building, it was an opportunity for them to celebrate with us all that God has done. While they admired the many lovely things that we have, people saw God's goodness and provision shining through it all. It is exciting to be a part of seeing God's Word and Truth shared around the world with those who need to hear about His grace and love. I'm so thankful for the part He has allowed me to play in His overall story.

Journal from the Heart of Cambodia #3

Entry dated Friday, August 18th

Today we started VBS in Ou Thmaa (pronounced oo t-ma). It's a village east of Sompavloun where the church here has been working. We didn't go to breakfast but had granola bars and french bread. The plan originally was to take tuk tuks and motos but then the drivers doubled the price they had originally quoted so Sophan hired a cart type thing to take all of us and our things. It was crowded and bumpy and I didn't have the best attitude, but the scenery was beautiful- the mountains and fields. We passed a few houses along the way and there were various modes of transportation. It took longer than we had planned so we arrived and got started a bit late.

The kids definitely aren't used to seeing foreigners so they didn't swarm around us and give us hugs and hold our hands. We met in the school, which was a 3-sided lean-to with a thatch room and wood floor a couple of feet above the ground. Lots of parents came and sat around the edge. Gayle said at first the parents were very cautious and didn't trust those who came from Kilometer 13 with their "foreign" religion. Yet even though Buddhism is the main religion in Cambodia, its basically in name only. While they are very aware of the spiritual realm, they saw that Buddhism did nothing for them during the Khmer Rouge years and many of the wats were destroyed. Many in Cambodia are searching and wondering and so believers have many opportunities to share about Christ.

I'm not sure if its the emotions of the trip but I'm feeling a bigger tug toward Cambodia, particularly the rural areas. Perhaps even Western Cambodia, but I don't know. I have felt so at home here this week. I don't know if being with people who speak my language all the time and having some comforts distorts that, but I know I have more of a burden for these people to know Jesus and for each aspect of their lives to be transformed.

We actually broke down on the way back so we had to walk about 30 minutes and then got motos the rest of the way. Everyone was so sleepy at lunch! I haven't felt like I have gotten good rest even though we've been going to bed at a decent time.

I wasn't sure how English would go since I was so tired and we skipped yesterday but it went really well! Paula and I had YoLa and Dee. Thankfully Pastor Sophan was there to translate but Dee also had a Khmer-English dictionary which helped too. They enjoyed when we talked about emotions and opposites.

Gayle told us the story of Khru Map, the teacher in Ou Thmaa. He isn't a believer but he has had a dream about Jesus several times. He told Sophan that he wasn't even looking for God, and Sophan said, "God is looking for you". He would open a lot of doors I think if he became a Christian.

Journal from the Heart of Cambodia #2

Entry dated Tuesday, August 16th

Yesterday was our first day of VBS! The kids were lined up and waiting when we got there after breakfast. The first part is the singing and Bible story time. We acted out the story of Ruth and Naomi (I got to be Naomi) while Pastor Sophan told the story. He tied it in with the theme of honoring one's parents, which is an important issue because people who become believers seem to not honor their parents wishes and religion. Gayle told us later he did a really good job of making it applicable to the kids.

Then we split boys and girls and taught them how to make the friendship bracelets Megan had taught us to make on Saturday. Some of them got it and others just made up their own pattern but I think they had fun. Next was the skills development time. It went better than I thought it would! We each had a table of about 5-6 girls. First they marked off their seams and got everything pinned. The girls at my table had sewn before so they just needed help with the pattern and what to do next. The time went by really fast, at least for the first day.

After lunch and some down time we headed back to the Center for English lessons with some of the young people. Ben and I had a group of 3 beginner students. I was nervous but once we got going it worked out okay. We had a lesson plan thankfully and we made it through the first day's lesson. Mostly Ben worked with the two guys and I worked with the girl going through the different activities. The first hour went pretty fast and the rest kind of dragged but it was a good experience.

The son of a friend of Gayle's had a pickup and so he came and gave us a ride to supper because it was raining. All the "kids" rode in the back covered with a tarp which was cool.

While Betsy and Megan were doing their English time they were able to talk with Meng about faith. He said his worries and pride are getting in the way but he's really close to accepting Christ. When we had our prayer time and meeting we prayed he would step across the line and be ready. There are no other Christians in his family, but his mom was a believer.

I hope the kids and our English students see that its not just about learning how to sew or about verbs but about Christ.
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It's been raining a good portion of the night and this morning. Some braved the muddy roads to go to breakfast but Kristin and Jeff and I just stayed and had a granola bar. It's been nice to catch up a little bit and put off getting wet and muddy.
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I think the adrenaline has worn off, I was lacking in energy and just wanted to fall asleep today! We had to meet inside the Center because it was still muddy outside. The kids were wound up and I didn't have enough energy to correct them. Sewing went well, at least I know how to tie knots and point out where to stitch. I have one little girl who is just precious. She is so animated when she gets to the end of a row or to a new part.

We split up into different groups to prayer walk after lunch. Kristin, Micah and I went to Kilometer 12 with Thal, one of the youth. The village is a really small area where people live on the west side of the main road. We were walking pretty fast but I was praying that God would make Himself known to each person and that they would experience His mercy and grace. God is beginning to transform the whole area and I know He wants more people to come to Him.

For English Paula and I were together and we had two different students: Dee and YoLa. Both have a hard time understanding so it took a while to explain each thing. Yet they were trying so hard!

We sang several songs after our team meeting tonight which was great. Josh brought a guitar back from the Center which added a lot.

I was about ready to shower and get ready for bed when Megan came to ask if I could show several people how to play Nerts. I helped Ben out, and then played one round. Then all the "kiddos" including Micah played Spoons. It was great to have some down time and I almost won. :)

Journal from the Heart of Cambodia #1

Entry dated Saturday, August 13th, 2011

What a long but incredible day! We left the guesthouse at 5:15 a.m. to begin our journey to the village. The van was pretty spacious and nice actually. The 6 "kids" were in the back and we all started talking and sharing more as we went along (even me!). We stopped for breakfast at this nice little spot that actually had fancy coffee- yay for fried rice and an iced latte to start off the day! Toward the end Megan spilled her coffee and I happened to have a clean shirt in my backpack plus a little bag to put her wet shirt in. It had seemed like she had been a little unsure of me but after that we've been buds all day.

We went through passport control, immigration, and visa application and everything went smoothly. Gayle had hired 3 cars to take the group to the village. She, Kristin and I went together which was fun. I wasn't sure what to expect with the roads but except for a couple muddy spots it was about the same as last time. It was great seeing the little villages and the countryside go by. I love this place so much! We all made it safely to K13 and after depositing our luggage at the guesthouse we went to lunch- more fried rice!

We worked at the ministry center this afternoon learning to make friendship bracelets so we can teach the kids on Monday. Kids started coming in to watch and we gave finished ones to them. I am hoping that through our smiles and care they will see Jesus.

Father, thank you for answering my prayers for a day of encouragement. I pray that we would continue to enjoy You and enjoy each other as we love these kids and these people. Show me how I can be a bold witness for You and how to show Your love. Amen

Cambodia VBS

I hope to share many stories over the coming days of my experience helping out with Vacation Bible School, but I thought I would get started with some of the basics! I had an amazing time seeing God at work in the kids and others in the rural area of western Cambodia.

We started out each morning with the pastor's wife and one of the local young ladies leading prayer, singing lots of fun songs, and learning the memory verse. Then Pastor Sophan provided a practical lesson and story from the Bible. He did a great job of making it applicable for the kids.

Next we split up and the girls learned and perfected their hand sewing skills by constructing a knapsack, and the boys did a woodworking project, making a stool. I enjoyed getting to work with the girls on their sewing!

In the afternoons we taught English to some of the young people in the village. We had a Very Beginners class, two Beginners classes and two Intermediate classes. It took a lot of creativity and work to keep thinking of new ways to explain vocabulary and grammar, but it was a blessing to get to know the students.

The last two days we did VBS in a new village about 45 minutes away. There are no known believers but God is at work there! Although it was short it was great to get to know another set of kids.

We had an amazing team and I so enjoyed getting to know them!

• Jeff and Betsy were the "adult leaders" from Seattle who have been taking VBS teams to Sompovloun for several years
• Kristin (26) is a music teacher from Kearney, Nebraska. She and I roomed together in Cambodia and were a lot alike, it was great to get to know her!
• Ben (20) is Kristin's brother. He is a storm-chaser and is amazing at photography!
• Josh (18) is also from Nebraska, and he entertained the kids with his harmonica playing skills. He also played guitar during our team worship times which was awesome.
  
• Paula (19) is from Idaho and is a college theater major. She was so sweet with the kids!
• Megan (16) is from Seattle, and she was the life of the team! She really helped draw all of us and bring us together.
  
• Gayle is the missionary who works in western Cambodia and her son Micah (22) also joined us
  

Adding a Little Spice to My Life

On Saturday I took the DART train downtown to the Dallas Museum of Art. I loved wandering through the different levels of paintings from Europe, gold jewelry from ancient Egypt, tapestries from Indonesia, sculptures from Japan, and teapots and dishes from the last century of the US. There was a great variety, and it was nice and cool inside.

This weekend I also fixed a new dish called Curried Quinoa. Quinoa is kind of like rice or barley and has lots of health benefits. It was a fairly simple dish to make and I love anything with curry so I enjoyed the taste. It was a bit different though so I'm not sure I would make it again very often! I added some of the leftover chicken sausage one day and then some grilled chicken with the leftovers to add some additional flavor.



Here's the recipe:

• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

• In a large saucepan, bring water and orange juice to a boil. Stir in beans, tomatoes, red pepper, quinoa, onion, raisins and curry. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from the heat; fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with cilantro. Yield: 4 servings.

Editor's Note: Look for quinoa in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle.

Be Still

It's pretty quiet around my house this week. I am not used to living alone, so I normally have music going or the TV on. I don't mind being by myself, but I guess there's something about stillness that makes me uneasy.



Yet, God calls us to stillness. Not just silence, but pausing and being still before Him. That's how we know God and know He is good, that He has us under his wing.



Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.



Henri Nouwen said, "In solitude, I get rid of the scaffolding; no friend to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books to distract, just me- naked, vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken- nothing. It is this nothingness that I have to face in my solitude, a nothing so dreadful that everything in me wants to run to my friends, my work, and my distractions so that I can forget my nothingness and make myself believe that I am worth something... Solitude is not simply a means to an end. Solitude is its own end. It is the place where Christ remodels us in his own image and frees us from the victimizing compulsions of the world. Solitude is the place of our salvation".



Last night I turned everything off and tried to listen, to process and reflect. It takes practice! My mind would wander off to my to-do list, to things I wanted to do before I went to bed and the next day and next week. People I hadn't thought of and wanted to write to, or situations needing attention. I tried to pull my mind back to pray for these things and to focus on God and what He might want to speak to me through those people and situations. It takes discipline, but I think it is vitally important to practice solitude, to pause. We have filled our lives with so many wonderful things, but we get so busy that we miss out on the peace that God wants to give us. I think we put so much on ourselves that we aren't even able to do those things well, and are probably hurting ourselves in the long run. How are we using our time? How can we take more intentional time for solitude?

Another Installment of Cooking with Sarah

Last night I made Tomato Basil Pizza, combining a recipe for homemade pizza crust with a recipe on the tub of Italian and Herb Cooking Creme. Salad and cottage cheese rounded out the meal.

¼ cup water

1-1/2 tsp. yeast

2-1/2 tsp. sugar

¾ cup whole wheat (or white) flour (I had to use a lot more flour, more like 3 cups I think)

2 tsp. olive oil

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. cornmeal

1 tsp. olive oil (I used the Cooking Creme instead)

4-6 slices mozzarella cheese

4-6 slices tomato

3-4 fresh basil leaves, torn

Preheat oven to 375. Combine water, yeast, and 1 tsp. sugar. Mix well. Add rest of sugar, flour, oil, and salt. Add more flour if needed to make a soft dough. Knead; let rest 10 minutes covered by a towel. Roll out to desired shape and thickness. Place on a greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal; brush with 1 tsp. olive oil. Top with mozzarella and tomatoes. Bake 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with basil leaves. (I added the basil leaves at the beginning rather than after baking)

1 serving (This actually made two personal pizzas)

A Fresh Twist

The picture probably doesn't do the meal justice. :) Last night I made Creamy Green Spaghetti, a yummy and fresh version of the regular spaghetti sauce. I used whole wheat pasta which added an interesting flavor as well. Again, I cut the recipe in half and it was perfect for supper and my lunch today.

• 3/4 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
• 2 tsp. oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups torn romaine lettuce leaves
• 1 tub (10 oz.) Philadelphia® Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 cup Kraft® Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Directions

• Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in lettuce; cook 2 min. or until wilted. Transfer to blender. Add cooking creme, milk and cilantro; blend until smooth. Return to skillet.
• Drain spaghetti. Add to sauce in skillet; cook and stir 1 to 2 min. or until heated through.
• Remove from heat. Top with mozzarella; cover. Let stand 2 to 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted. Yield: 6 servings, 1 cup each.

If you are curious...

While we were gone in February to Thailand, Lena had the guest bathroom (and one I normally use) redone. She had a new bathtub put in and a shower head. Here are a few pictures. :)

Lovely shower curtain and the shelves next to the sink (notice my pretty white and blue basket for toiletries)

Inside of the shower with the new tile

Tile inside the shower area

Closeup of the tile and the accent trim near the top