In the past, when I hear people sharing about their missions trip and urging others to go, I always thought, "Man, don't these people know that I have a family to raise, house to clean, bills to pay, and little ones to run after? How can I go on these trips anyways?!" It seemed impossible to 'do ministry' under these circumstances, and how can we ignore our family to go on missions? Besides, aren't we supposed to put family before ministry? How could both co-exist at the same time.
So it is indeed a miracle when last September we decided on a whim that we're going to, like Nike says, "Just Do It!". Everyone thought having a 7-yr-old and 3-yr-old tag-a-long overseas for 3 weeks, 24/7, was unfathomable. I thought so too!
Ironically, having the kids mingle with their taiwanese counterparts brought out the best in all of us! The kids there were excited to meet, play, and learn with Caleb and Abbie. And our kids? Their eyes opened to a new world as they experienced simple joys in the lives of less fortunate children. After all, the kingdom of God belongs to the little children, so having them tag along wasn't such a bad idea after all!
And I learned on this mission trip that the biggest satisfaction in 2008, and perhaps in All of life is:
Having precious family and loved ones coming together in one heart & mind ~ to serve an amazing God & those He loves!
A friend asked me if I thought I made a difference in this trip. I truly don't know! I suppose only God knows, and only He sees the future. But what I am certain of, is that the PEOPLE in Taiwan, young and old, changed my life forever.
In their difficult circumstances, I see their hardworking spirit, faith, hope, sacrificial love, and contentment. I am humbled that when we give (or attempt to give ^_^), we end up receiving 100-fold in return!
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For those 3 weeks, our family put our differences aside (at least temporarily ^_^), and focused on our mission, and this also brought us together more than we've ever imagined! For one thing, never in my life have I spent 3 weeks staight with 3 very noisy people, 24 hours a day!
The children in the community after-school program studied Abbie for a long time when we first met, and finally, one boy asked, "Are you sure she's from America?" I said, "Yes, she was born there!" He said, "Then why aren't her eyes blue??"
Their innocence and laughter still rings in my heart, and when they asked if we'll be back next year, we said, "Yes, if there's a need! We'd love to spend time with all of you again!"
So, God-willing, if the opportunity arises, We'll be Back! Thank ALL OF YOU for your prayers, encouragements, and help!
2 comments:
This is very nice sharing to encourage those who have small kids family to go mission and truly see the God's work.
Thank you!
Jerry
It is so beautiful that you experienced what God promised us all when we give of ourselves -- that we will be blessed and enriched in our own lives when we give in big or small ways to reach others. I am sure that the sowing of your seeds made a difference, and with a bit of water from others, will grow where there was only dirt before! God bless you for that!
Love,
Suzanne
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