actually gone

I guess the reality of being gone is starting to sink in.  Along with that though comes the reality of being away from family and friends.  That transition is something that will be a longer one.  We are getting used to the fact that we can’t just go over and see anyone, or just call someone up.  To some extent it seems like we are just gone short term and we’ll be back soon, but in our heads we know better.  We do miss you all, but also understand that it’s the reality of what we are doing.  The new friends we have already made have been great, we have connected very well, and now it seems like we have been long time friends.  But here too, we soon have to say goodbye, and once again struggle with the reality of this trip.  Dealing with this constant uprooting will probably be one of the hardest things we will have to face.  But we would still rather have\make good friends even for a time, than to be alone by ourselves.  I guess that line that says “It’s better to have loved and lost (or separated from) than to not have loved at all” holds true.  Every time we open up to someone else there is the opportunity that we get hurt from that friendship, either through being separated from each other, or by us hurting each other.  This risk is one that must be taken however to experience life to the fullest.  We thank God for the times we have had together, and look forward to more in the future.  We also understand that having great friends isn’t everything in this life. We (everyone) are called to a higher purpose.

 Philippians 3:14  -  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

We hope that is what we are doing, trying to build treasures in heaven where they  cannot be taken from us.  Matthew 6:19,20  and also 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

C

R&R

 

We came here with the intentions of resting, relaxing, and preparing for the “missions” part of our trip.  And we’ve been doing just that! We’ve had time to partake in many different “worship” times. Many were not in the traditional sense of the word, but yet I felt the presence of God closer than in many more traditional services. We have been abundantly blessed by the believers here. Their faith in strong and I have been encouraged by their devotion and passion for the Lord. On Wednesday night, we were invited to the bure, which is gathering place for boys and young men, The youngest was 7 and the eldest was the leader, who is 22. They meet every day at 6 am and 6 pm. That’s dedication! They meet in a short little shack, lit only by the light of a kerosene lamp, and comforted Only by the spare pillows and cushions that could be found.

Here, I was humbled.

 

They spoke both in Fijian and English. Sharing the word of God with each other, asking for forgiveness for being late, and with deepest sincerity. They asked us to share a bit. After that, they all simultaneously prayed for us. Some in English, but mostly in Fijian.  

It was a moving experience.

 

Not a one minute prayer, but prayer at length and earnest asking the Lord to bless us and continue to guide our ways, and show us clear direction. We had just met them.

From boys so young.

 

I was humbled at their love for the Lord. They come together twice a day to praise Him and encourage one another. ….And I have a hard time spending 30 minutes with the Lord in the morning?

 

WE know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

 

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God- Through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

Romans 7:14-17, 24,25

~R