Even Jesus Had Those Few

(Written December 2011, that was left in "draft" form)

^" All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. " (Acts 2:44-47)

 I was talking to a friend missionary the other day. She’s been on the mission field for over 22 years specifically in Haiti. We were attending Christmas dinner with a group of other missionaries. We relayed how when you’re a missionary you are the one that they turn to when they need support. Your shoulder is the one on which they cry. It’s your words they look to for guidance. You become a model and example of strength and firm faith. So what do we do when we need to cry or find direction or vent? She said this;

“You get together with those who do the same thing you do and fellowship.”

Even Jesus had that special group that he kept close. His disciples. There were there when he experienced anger or anxiety. They were his support. The same concept is applied when you’re a missionary. No matter how hard you work to increase the kingdom. You still need the aid of another. Always. 

As the subject of our conversation changed I found her simple answer to ring true. There’s something about being able to freely converse with someone who has experienced the same thing you are in the middle of…and not feel like you’re damaging the “role-model” image you are expected to have. 

Thank you Beth!

Outfits, Eggs and Expectations

I've chosen my outfit for tomorrow's voyage back to the freezing state of Pennsylvania. A tank top, one t-shirt, one heavy shirt, one pullover hoody and one zipper down sweater. Yes, I passionately dislike the cold. In fact, not many people like the cold. Another thing people don't enjoy is lowering their standards and changing their expectations.

Whooooa! I know I caught you off guard with that one. Let me back up a little.


Along with thinking about what to cloth myself with, today, I also thought about relationships and what we, as people, expect out of them.

Gosh, okay maybe you still don't see the connection. My deepest apologies for the inevitable confusion.

Really, from the start we have this idea, this image in our head about what we want, need, and desire in someone else. And then, we do this freakish "egg-hunt" for someone to be ALL that. Then there are times when we find an "egg" (even if we're not looking) and they meet almost all the criteria but are shy a few for the major, ermmmm, elements. So what do we do? Toss the egg? Keep it and change it? Find another one? Sadly, all I did was think today, not find answers.


I do know that tomorrow I will experience coldness against my cheeks and therefore I'm preparing for it with many layer of clothing.

Responding To Rhetorical Questions

You know when the preacher is speaking and he asks a question, within his message, that's intended to remain unanswered by the crowd? 


Well, today I sat in service with Gladimy (5) sitting at my left and Leonard (4) on my lap. The sanctuary was packed with quake survivors all fanning themselves with their eyes fixed on the pastor. We listened as the pastor talked about the earthquake two years ago. He shared the stories of those who lost their lives and those who were spared with injuries. He went on to preach about the favor and grace that God had on those in the room, having protected them. The message continued and he started to talk about eternity: 

Le nou mouri kote nou prale? (When you die where are you going?) 

Within the same moment Gladimy peeps up and says, 

"Nan syel la!" (To heaven!)

"Um oops!",I thought, as heads turned to look at the little boy in the back who actually answered the question that was clearly rhetorical! 


It was both humorous and nifty at the same time. I hugged Gladimy - who didn't realize, until after he blurted out, that he wasn't supposed to answer the question. Gladimy knows where he's going when he dies. Do you?