This Time Will be Different

It is Thursday afternoon and we are sitting at the JFK airport awaiting our departure about seven hours from now. Anne Grewell, a young Ohio girl, and niece of Lynn and Ruby, is with us making her first trip to Kyrygzstan.

I have been thinking alot about the contrasts of our two departures - last year - when we knew no one, had no idea what to expect, and really what we would be doing. This year - we are returning to people we know and love and want to serve in anyway possible. Yet that call is deeper than that.

Yesterday at lunch, missionary friends, Ric and Jane Taylor, told us a story. We weren't able to hear the entire story, but enough of it to get it. Ric told us of a young girl who had experienced devastating burns over most of her body. Through the incredible care of doctors and God's intervention, she survived. After a few months in care, the doctors told the family they could take her home to care for her. They were so glad to be able to do that. He said to them, "you can take her home, but not until you see the burns. It will be then that you will fully understand what she needs."

Ric asked a question - do we really get ministry until we have seen the "burns" - the devastation in the lives of people. It is not until we "see the burns" that true, deep ministry can happen - that we can maybe have some slight idea of the need. It is a sight that changes one forever.

Do we ask God to show us "the burns?" Are we willing to go there? Our prayer is yes, Lord, show us the burns.....and then show us what to do.

More from the otherside this weekend....

Getting Ready to Leave for Kyrgyzstan

Today is Monday, March 16. In just three days, we leave for Kyrgyzstan.The days are full of last minute connections with friends, last minute work related tasks and of course, packing. It might sound a bit strange, but it feels like, in many ways, we are going back home. We both are eager to return! Both David and I talk frequently of our love for the people there and how we simply want to go back and love and support them in anyway we can.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at an adoption conference (CAFFA) in Chicago. It was a tremendous experience. Timing for this conference was perfect, because we able to see the teens from Kyrgyzstan who are here on a missions tour. They were performing in Rockford, Illinois. What a tremendous experience for all of us.

Here are some pictures of those beautiful kids that we saw here and will shortly see over there.

Elder Yang, in the center, is the man called by God to build Christian schools in Kyrgyzstan. All of these students are from the schools and orphanages sponsored by Mercy Foundation.

Please come back frequently, as we will update as soon as we are settled there. Thank you for all your prayers and support! David and Jayne