FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND OUR PAIN

When the darkness closes in, where can we find the strength and courage to hold on? When the pain is unbearable, how does one even begin to wake up and reach beyond?

W

hen INJUSTICE, REJECTION, LONELINESS, LOSS, DISCIPLINE, FAILURE and/or DEATH ensue, is there really a way to gain understanding or more importantly to grow as we uncover the hidden potential and/or purposes? Dr. Paul Meier and Dr. David Henderson address these 7 universal struggles in their book, FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND OUR PAIN.

Through real life stories, biblical truths and practical application, let this book be the beginning of the journey that moves you beyond your pains to victory, restoration and wholeness. It surely will equip you to allow your fears and failures to give way to the light of God's purposes so that you can once again walk in comfort, peace and yes, "a joyful knowing"----even in spite of the pain.

Home Sweet Home

I can't even begin to wrap my words around the anticipation that welled up in my heart as 5:20 pm approached, Wednesday January 13th, 2010.

Exactly 31 hours ago, we got word that Sarah was leaving for the Niarobi Airport to make her long journey home. And now, we are just minutes away from seeing her for the first time in a month. Oh we saw her a few times on skype during her stay....but nothing lights up the room quite like Sarah's real live, touchable enthusiasm and person-hood.

From Niarobi to London and finally on to Philly....the journey has been filled with stories to last a lifetime....almost, and even if the stories don't last, the impact will.

We sent a young, spirited, independent girl off to see the world and make an impact, and she came back a little more grown up, but every bit as independent and spirited. There is no doubt she made impact, but what she received in return, regarding character and her relationship with Christ, vision for the poor and the lost, future goals, wants and desires, schedules and possessions, and overall attitude................................... WAS TEN-FOLD. Walking through the international arrivals gate, as tired and travel weary as she was, she look radiant, and very happy to be home.

You know the saying goes, "it takes 21 days to make or break a habit"....we weren't in the car long before Sarah asked Rick why he was driving on the wrong side of the road. And, she was serious (for a moment). She thought it was Thursday (when it was only Wednesday) and she left for school this morning without her phone and/or her ipod. Pretty Cool huh!? The one thing it didn't take her long to appreciate and dive right back into was nice cold running water with some "uummpphh". Brushing her teeth with running water is no longer something she takes for granted....it is a luxury and something she will give thanks to God for, everyday at least twice. :)

I had a nice spread of taco salad fixings ready and waiting, but it was the American cereal she craved. Two bowls of lucky charms later, and I think we'll save the taco salad for supper tomorrow. (haha)

As I write this morning I am enjoying the most amazing cup of coffee----freshly ground beans straight from Kenya, indulge me for a moment because it goes down like pure silk. Really! You don't find a better cup of coffee. But, one thing you will find all over our living room coffee table is jewelry! From earrings, to bracelets and necklaces galore, there is a story behind each piece. Being tasteful in her selections, as she walked out the door for school this morning, no one could deny she just got off a plane from Africa. Truly, an opportunity of a lifetime for this 16 year old girl from eastern Pennsylvania. She's got her first interview with the school newspaper sometime next week.

We give thanks that she is back home safe and sound.

We give thanks for so many of you who made this trip possible and memorable.

We give thanks for the seeds that have been sown into Sarah's life, but even more, we give thanks for the fruit that is born out of one young girl's desire and one mother's (and father's) obedience, in letting her go "into all the world" to be a part of sharing the "good news".

So Long for now,

Crystal

MORE BLESSED TO GIVE, THAN RECEIVE…..OR BOTH???In scrolling through some pictures Sarah posted from Africa, one can hardly deny that missions mindedness and world travel runs in her blood. She has always been the fearless and adventurous one….always going about making the most of every opportunity and living life to the VERY FULLEST (and then some)! The sparkle in her eyes does this mothers heart good. She is in her element….even though it is half way around the world.

On the home front we are on our final 6 day countdown. Just a little more than three weeks ago, we were wondering what Christmas and New Years would be like without our Sarah…..well now, we know! All in all, I’d have to say we are amazingly blessed. I understand in a whole new light what it means to say, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. We have opened our hands and our hearts and given our daughter. We have made some adjustments and set aside traditions. And even in that, I’d have to say Christmas 2009 will go down in our family’s history as one of the most memorable for everyone involved. (even the webcam that provided a really fun New Years Day show and tell thru skype). Picture noted above :)

I know that Sarah will bring home lots of stories and neat experiences to share with us for weeks and even months to come. I am already seeing the lifelong fruit of this trip coming through in her writing, in her voice and in her heart. Who knows? Maybe it is the very reason for the sparkle in her eye too.
How I long to wrap my arms around her neck and welcome her back home….and I will cherish every moment so that when the time comes to let her go again, I can do so with gladness and completeness in my heart. God has truly been my portion and my peace. He has breathed into my spirit, a “God” kind of confidence and understanding that would be necessary….knowing that a very special 16 year old young lady would be….

*Spending Christmas away from family, yet finding a new family while opening her heart to the things of God in a deeper way.*Seeing the vastness of our world in a new way.
*And making a difference, touching lives every single step of the way.

Oh we have experienced incredible blessing in the giving of our Sarah….but so much more, we have received.

Crystal