The Joy of the Lord is My strength!

Remembering precious moments - Boy's home at BNJ 01/12/2009

The boys had their showers and we began setting up the Christmas lights and decorations on our tree. The boys came alive with excitement as we talked about the meaning of Christmas, played Christmas music and placed decorations around the tree.

At times I felt stressed trying to calm the boys and organise the frenzied situation so that no one got hurt and nothing would break, however it is thinking back on this time that fills my heart with joy and thanksgiving to God for these precious boys.

When it came time for bed, they all were so excited to be able to go to sleep listening to Christmas music and watching the lights sparkle on the tree in the distance. As I put one of the boys to bed I asked him if he would like to pay. While he prayed my heart smiled as I gave thanks with him to the Lord. Part of his prayer was - thank you Lord hat we had fun setting up the Christmas tree with P' Crystal.

I know these are just simple words of thanks but through his expressions and tone in his voice I could tell he was happy and really had a fun time. I am thankful and my heart is glad! I know you were smiling down on us too Lord, and I thank you for precious moments as these.

Even in my tiredness of the day and pressure of responsibility I can say that God filled my heart with joy and gave me new strength and love to be there for these boys.

Seurtulan

(This is a small bit of my experience while on outreach in Temor Lestle.)

Brightness. A light on a hill. Seurtulan rooted and established in God. Having hope and a future!
How diverse are your people Lord!!! I find it so interesting to experience different people groups and to watch the way that they embrace their surroundings. Life experience, beliefs, circumstances and culture all play a part and affect the ways they view the world around them. Some desire change while others stay attached to their fatalistic behaviour!

As I spent time in Temor Leste with the seurtulan people I began to see that this people group desired change. They have gone through hardship from war, however in gaining their Independence they have moved on, not looking behind but looking ahead. They are people who do not embrace their hardships. They are a 'young people', a 'strong people'.

My first impressions were that they were friendly. So open to others coming in and helping. They are accepting. These people live with next to nothing yet laugh, dance,and sing. They are a hopeful people hungry for truth.

They live with the pigs, chickens and dogs. Suffer from headaches, pains and diseases yet remain solid.
The country is hot and still this does not affect the locals as it does those who visit. The children are friendly and always love to play, laugh and give cuddles.

There are so many differences between the people here in seurtulan and us westerners, (myself) The physical differences are obvious being that I am white with blond hair and green/blue eyes. They are brown with black hair and brown eyes. These people are tiny and live off of next to nothing, where as we are bigger people who tend to indulge in more than enough. We 'need' our creature comforts and they don't even have a bed to sleep on or electricity.

When first arriving in Seurtulan I instantly loved the people. The children especially were warm and embracing. By the middle of the first week however I was sick of the dust and the dry air up in the mountain, tired from the physical work and lack of what I would call nutrition. My stomach became a musical instrument as it adapted to a diet of crackers, rice and noodles. The wind howled at night while the roosters crowed at the crack of dawn. The toilets and shower left much to be desired. It was hard and I was continuously aware of just how different we were from each other.

Being white in this place makes you stick out like a sore thumb. It is because of this reason that I realise we need to be aware of ourselves, of our actions, the way we dress and the way we relate to those around us.

Seurtulan is such a friendly place. They are so open to learn and so open to know more about God. I have noticed that the youth especially love to sing and play the guitar. When they sing all together it is such a beautiful sound.

We were able to run the L.I.F.E. program one evening and it was a blessing to just speak life and light into their lives. Our basic message to them was light-the story of creation. Individual- God's promise to us and that reminder through the story of Noah. Family- being in Christ's family both you and me. Eternity- Christ's death and resurrection and how he desires relationship with us.

At the end of our time together we were able to pray for individuals. Thank you Lord for bringing this program to life and allowing us to be your vessel. I am reminded of the importance of holding onto your word as truth and to have faith in all things both great and small. Having to rely on you Lord, to lead , is key. The work being done here comes from you. You give the vision we choose to trust.

Building houses together with the people has been something I will never forget. A memory worth holding onto. The Seurtulan men work hard at what they do. When they build you can see the passion and drive in their eyes to get the job done. They want these houses established,they need these houses established. The memory of grandpa ordering us around brings a smile to my face. 'diak los,' he would say with a toothless smile and a big thumbs up. To share in his excitement of a new home is amazing. Hearing him give praises to God is priceless. It would be a pleasure to see his house finished but I know he is pleased with what we have accomplished.

Brightness. A light on a hill. Seurtulan rooted and established in God, having hope and a future. These are scriptures and words received from God for Seurtulan. May they take hold of who you are in their lives Lord. Living in your freedom and trusting that you will provide their 'more than enough' to live and prosper.

Now with only three days left here it feels sad to say goodbye. You have given me a special place in my heart for seurtulan Lord. May I not forget these people here in East Timor I know that as I re-enter into my so called western culture life I will be grateful for your provision. I don't want to take for granted all you give me and all I have. It will be hard knowing I have so much while others have so little. I am changed. Ruined for the ordinary. I cannot settle to live my life day in, day out, for myself. I chose you Lord. It's all for you!

Deep Eyes
Deep eyes, they tell a story.
A past no longer talked about.
Of sickness, of abuse, of desperate searching for more.
Of hunger, of pain.

Deep eyes, They tell a story.
The disease has its grip.
A curse, a sin passed down from generation and held within.
At times it lives dormant but then shows its power.
The control it has on an unwilling body.

Deep eyes, they tell a story.
Lost within.
The hurt, the pain, the confusion.
Yet helpless?..........NEVER!!!!!
To give up would be the end.
There must be more........

Deep eyes, they tell a story.
Holding onto hope.
Hope of a body made new.
No more pain, no more suffering, no more tears.
Where does this hope come from?
SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER!

Deep eyes, they tell a story.
Look up!
Where does your help come from?
Your help comes from the LORD!
The maker of heaven and earth!

For Mai Girl