Your Statutes are my Delight; They are my Counselors (October 2018)

                                             Grandpa and Ezra  and snack time at the park
There are some amazingly beautiful passages of Scripture and at times when I read them (though I have read before) I stand in awe of our glorious God.  What an encouragement and comfort they are to those who know and love the Lord Jesus!
Psalm 119:9 "How shall a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your Word."
Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law."
Psalm 119:35 "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."
Psalm 119:89 "Your Word, O Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens.  Your faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 119:105    "Your Word is a light to my path and a lamp to my feet."

Our women's Bible study began again this fall, and it is a delight every year to study the Word together as women from different backgrounds and cultures.  This week we mentioned Hebrews 11:6 as a part of our Believing God study--that "the Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him."  So, we earnestly study and seek the Lord together and "as iron sharpens iron," we sharpen one another spiritually.  I am blessed by these women and know we have much to teach each other as we study God's holy Word together.  I am continually reminded that we are each called to this particular place at this particular time and that more than likely, our paths would never have crossed.

                                         Beautiful September flowers on our morning walk

In our Bible study this week, we studied Ephesians 1, and I was reminded afresh of what a treasure trove of promises this passage is--it should encourage us as believers immensely.  So, throughout the blog, I want to remind and encourage us with these wonderful truths.

Paul, an apostle (sent one) to the saints and faithful in Christ Jesus.  May such an address be given to us--that we are the saints--sanctified people made holy by Christ and living faithfully in that holiness.   Paul was sent by the will of God--not by his own efforts or design.  (Galatians 1:1) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." 

                                                  What an adorable little guy!

 We are very thankful to continue ministering together with the body of Christ here in our international church.  We are grateful for health and strength to do so.  Our church ministry and accompanying hospitality keeps us very busy.  Yes, I love to cook and bake, but all of it is a bit more of a chore here.  We continue to love meeting and interacting with many from different places.  Several weeks ago, we had a group of 25 visit our service while attending a conference here.  We often have teams come through--but this was an especially large group.  For several weeks, it has been good to have a pastor from another country--we were happy to confirm and encourage him in his ministry.  Dave was actually using an illustration for his message one Sunday, and he was able to confirm with this man the truth of his illustration.  We continue to struggle with people coming and going. Several families that we have come to know and appreciate will be leaving or have already left.  The Jacobsons have already left us, but they were a tremendous help in the ministry here, and we know that God will continue to use them.  Another family that we have really enjoyed will be leaving soon for a new ministry--and we will miss them as well.  However, as we are sad for one family leaving, a new one arrives, and we get to embrace them and hopefully encourage them spiritually.  Please pray that we can effectively minister during the time each person or family is with us.  We had a church dinner after services in September in the hotel where our church meets.  It was a good time of fellowship for all.

                                                 Jacobson Family

                                                             Fellowship in our home

                                                 
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (1:7)

                                          Getting balloons for Ezra's 2nd birthday-- Iwasn't 
                                               expecting to have to have my picture taken

"We are made blameless by the beloved son, chosen and accepted in Him to be adopted as God's sons and heirs." (1:4)

Our church is excited to be partnering with Faithful Heart Foundation--the foundation that Matthew works with--to host a retreat for local pastors and their wives.  We always struggle to do more for the local people--whose beautiful country we enjoy.  Being an international, English-speaking congregation, it is often difficult to bridge that gap.  FHF did a retreat last year for these pastors, and it was a huge success.  The pastors and wives have few opportunities to be fed and grow themselves.  It is October  20th-22nd.  Some of our church leaders will be sharing in the seminars--including Matthew and Dave.  We are also desiring as a church to help provide funds for this.  Please be in prayer for this.

"His incomparably great power is available to us who believe." (1:19)  "In accordance with the riches of God's grace that He has lavished on us--and we are the beneficiaries of a great and glorious inheritance." (1:9

                                  Lunch with The Gathering Worship Ministry Director

                                          Sunny, my Korean neighbor practicing English
The Pound family in Thailand is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a baby girl very soon.  Please continue to pray for Audrey's health and strength in these days and for little girl Pound as she is in the final stages of being knit together by her creator.  Pray for Ezra's transition to a baby sister and to no longer being the center of all our attention.

"Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of His glory." (1:13)

Please pray:
                      

• For our continued ministry at The Gathering--for strength and good health.    
• For our witness and testimony with everyone with whom we come into contact--that we might reflect our Savior
• For each woman who comes to the Bible study to grow and learn more about God and His Word
• For Audrey's health and strength in the coming days and for baby girl Pound--for a smooth and easy labor and delivery  For Ezra's transition
• For the Pastors' retreat in October--that these men of God would be refreshed and renewed as well as strengthened for ministry
• For wisdom and discernment in ministry--and for Dave to be God's instrument in preaching              

A dear family in our Gathering church family

The Spirit of the Disciplines--The richness of Solitude/ August 2018

Special time with our granddaughters in Minnesota

Jay, Heidi and girls and Dave and I--walking bridge on Mississippi River

We enjoyed a whirlwind of activity in the states,and we continue to be grateful for many wonderful friends and for our family.  Of course the highlight was spending time with our precious granddaughters and our son and daughter-in-law.  We are thankful for dear friends who encourage us and support us in prayer--it was great to catch up with many of them.  In addition, we are very thankful for special people who care for our home and concerns that arise there.  I really appreciated Matthew's recent blog--"It Takes a Village..."  I was reminded of how thankful we are for the many people in the church who contributed to the spiritual development of our three sons. I don't dare start to give names because I would inevitably leave out someone important, but how heartwarming to see their pictures on the desk of one the church staff at Berean.  He told me that he still prays daily for our sons. 
 I was able to share about this when I talked at our first Children's Ministry retreat a couple of weeks after we returned.  We all know that the Bible gives primary responsibility for spiritual training of children and the modeling of God's truth to parents.  However, it is true that as a church we come alongside parents to reinforce and affirm what the parents teach.  I know many in our church served as role models and mentors of our sons' faith--and was so glad Matthew mentioned it in his blog.  Thankfully we didn't have to do it alone. 

One of the many mentors in my son's life (Steve and Becky were introduced to Korean ice cream while visiting here) 

Sunday School Retreat Activity

Our children's ministry retreat (first ever) was a huge success.  Nearly 40 people gathered to share and fellowship together as teachers of children inSunday school.  We are very thankful for a wonderful lady heading up this ministry who is very efficient and organized.  It was good for all of us to get to know each other better and have a chance to interact about goals and procedures.  
2 Peter 1:56, 8 LB
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge,  self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, botherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.   For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  
Yes, faith must be more than belief in certain facts.  It must result in action, growth in Christian character and the practice of moral discipline, or it will die away. (James 2:14-17) How do we, as long-time Christians, continue in growth and maturity of our faith--in our walk with God? I have been deeply influenced lately by a book by Dallas Willard The Spirit of the Disciplines.  We don't especially like that word  "discipline," but these disciplines of the spiritual life are what enable us to get to the point of maturity in Christ that we all strive to accomplish.  We're saved through faith--there's nothing we can do to obtain our salvation. However, there is much we can do to advance in our faith walk with Christ.  Sometimes I tell God how sorry I am that it has taken me to this point in my life to really get some of these truths He has been pressing into me for many years--and others--well, He's still working on. 
Dallas Willard says,
 "The disciplines for the spiritual life are available, concrete activities designed to render bodily beings such as we ever more sensitive and receptive to the Kingdom of Heaven brought to us in Christ,even while living in a world set against God.  Lovingly practiced, they join with grace to enable us matter-of-factly to come boldly to the the throne of God." 
I was especially impressed by the discipline of solitude.  In this discipline, Dallas says that the normal course of day-to-day human interaction locks us into patterns of feeling, thought and action that are geared to a world set against God.  "In stark aloneness it is possible to have silence, to be still, and to know that Yahweh indeed is God (Ps. 46:10),to set the Lord before our minds with sufficient intensity and duration that we stay centered upon Him--our hearts fixed, established in trust--even when back in the office, shop, or home." Jesus led as an example in this when He constantly retreated away from people--from the many demands placed upon Him.  He also called the disciples to come away and rest.  Solitude is the most fundamental in the beginning of the spiritual life and it must be returned to again and again as that life develops.  "In solitude," says Willard, "you will find yourself and God will find you in new ways."  Isn't this the desire--the longing of our hearts?  "Joy and peace," Dallas continues, "will begin to bubble up within you...praise and prayer will come to you and from within you.  With practice, the soul established in solitude will remain solid when you return to your ordinary life with others." In this world of noise and activity--of technology-driven lives, it is difficult to find solitude, but I am convinced it is where we find God, and when we come away from times of solitude with God, we tend to look and act more like Him.

What great fun we have with this little guy!

We had a great time entertaining this group of people in our home.  We had a great time of fellowship together.  It is always great to hear the God stories of His working in the lives of people seeking to know and follow Him daily.  And of course, we are always glad they are a part of the body of Christ we call The Gathering.

We value so much and covet your prayers for our ministry here.  Please pray for the following:

• Many things we need to do in the next couple of months--renew our driver's license, get a new lease for the home we are renting, and several others
• Please continue to pray that we can stay in our current home.  We really like it--especially the location.  We know how to get everywhere from here.
• For continued effective ministery to the people in our church--to encourage and support them in their walk with God.
• To reflect our Lord always--to be salt and light in this place and with everyone with whom we come in contact (to have opportunities to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ)
• Pray for the ministry of Faithful Heart foundation (Matthew and Audrey)
• For Audrey in the last months of her pregnancy (due Oct. 28) and baby girl Pound
• For health and strength to continue to minister
• Dave in preaching and leading and for me as I begin the women's Bible study once again this fall Please pray for all who attend.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!

The Lord is our Joy and Strength!

     My mom suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for many years.  She would often recall that in her younger days of hectic pace her mother, my grandmother, would comment; "The Lord is going to slow you down."  The MS did slow her down some, but she was an amazing example of what determination and perseverance can do with the Lord's enabling.  Well the Lord recently slowed me down. Many responsibilities and activities were planned for the week of May 6-13.  But instead, everything was cancelled, and I had to spend several days in the hospital.  Somehow I contracted the Rota virus.  I've decided it's not even worth the effort of trying to figure where or how.  There are too many possibilities!  As a person who thrives or gains strength from solitude and quiet, I do look at these times as the Lord giving me extra quiet and time for reflection.  First, I thank God for good hospitals and doctors--for I.V.'s that quickly replenished my dehydrated body and sent the medicine directly to the bloodstream.  I realize afresh that there are many not so blessed with these things.  Then I am also mindful, in such times, of many blessings--many things so undeserved.  I am blessed by my wonderful husband--who tries to keep me on a reasonable pace.  This summer we will celebrate 40 years of marriage.  How I praise God for His faithfulness to us!  We've been a team from the beginning and continue to enjoy doing ministry together.  I am further blessed by two wonderful sons and daughter-in-laws and, of course, by 3 wonderful grandchildren and other loving family as well.

Ezra "reading" with Grandma's glasses!

What a delight to be with this little guy!

     But also, I had time to reflect: what is the source of my joy in this life?  The joy of the Lord is my strength as Nehemiah tells us in the book that bears his name--8:10.   When we turn to the Lord to lead and direct us, He will empower us--strengthen us for the tasks he has called us to do.  Nehemiah was not an official religious leader.  Ezra was.  Nehemiah was a layman, not a member of the religious establishment or a prophet.  But he was a man of prayer and God used him to motivate the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah was motivated by his relationship with God, and he devoted his life to doing God's will in a secular world.  This is increasingly important for us today.  "Don't be discouraged," Nehemiah said to the people as they mourned over how far they had strayed from God's laws.  "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

     We were greatly inspired and refreshed once again by attending our international church conference (Missional International Church Network) in Hanoi, Vietnam.  The theme this year was "Love your city, disciple the nations."  There, we interacted with and met people doing the same kind of ministry as us.  We were challenged by main speakers, heard inspiring stories of God's work and attended informative seminars on various topics.  The best part was traveling with and attending the conference with our good friends, the pastor and wife of the German church here.

We recognize that "people from the ends of the earth are coming to international churches where they can be equipped and unleashed into their world."  We are excited and challenged to be part of such a ministry here in Chiang Mai.
     We've had several baptisms lately--so thrilling to witness in the public pool of the hotel where our church meets.  In the midst of people swimming and relaxing around the pool, our baptism candidates giving "public" testimony of their faith in Christ.

     In thinking of joy--the spiritual joy that we have in Christ, I am also reminded of the Apostle Paul writing the book of Philippians overflowing with joy from prison.  Paul's joy was a delight that came from knowing and serving God.  No matter what chaos or suffering surrounded Paul, these realities were constant: the Gospel was being spread, Jesus was Lord, and Paul knew Him.  This eternal perspective was essential to Paul's peace and joy--and ours too.  Joy in suffering is possible Paul teaches us (and Nehemiah too)--it does not discredit grief and pain, but gives hope in an ultimate destiny and glory.  This joy is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who ultimately does everything for His glory and our good.
     I had an opportunity to help a friend from our church make some grammatical corrections on her doctrinal thesis in nursing.  She has been here four years accomplishing this goal--step-by-step.  I am humbled and amazed by her stamina and perseverance.  The scholarship money is gone because it has taken longer than planned.  She is the first person in her village in Mongolia to accomplish this goal--in her second (or is it her third) language.  Please pray for her as she completes this process.
     If you are on social networks, you know of the amazing praise at Faithful Heart Foundation that Matthew and Audrey are a part of.  All of us here are praising God for this huge answer to prayer!  We are thanking and praising God for a  new kidney for Benjamin!   This has been a two-year prayer concern that God has answered at this time.  It was the subject of much prayer, concern and discussion at the annual retreat in April.  Praise God for His faithfulness!  Benjamin is doing well.  Please continue to pray for restoration and renewed strength.

We continue to covet your prayers for us.  We thank you for your faithfulness in praying.  Please pray for:

• Strength and health to continue to minister here in Chiang Mai--strength to do the tasks that God has called us to do
• Us to love the people of this very transient body for Jesus sake and encourage and challenge them to grow in their walk with Christ
• That we will be salt and light with all the people with whom we come in contact
• Opportunities to share a reason for the hope we have in Christ
• Refreshment and significant time with family and friends when we return home in June-July
• Wisdom and discernment always
• Value and treasure this experience and the opportunities to be with Matthew, Audrey and Ezra 
• New baby for Matthew and Audrey
• Our dear ones that we miss in the states--2 precious granddaughters

Choose Wisdom--April 2018

Easter Sunday in Chiang Mai

Sharing testimonies at our church dinner

Sher and Rajni doing Reader's Theatre

Proverbs 2:1-6 

"Turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding, and if you call for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you  look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the the knowledge of God, for the LORD gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Proverbs 1:7  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Knowledge."

Ezra on train ride at mall close to our house

"There are 2 paths before you; you may take only one path.  One doorway is narrow.  And one doorway is wide.  Go through the narrow door.  For the wide door leads to a wide path, and the wide path is broad; the wide, broad, easy path has many, many people on it; but the wide, broad, easy, crowded path leads to death. Now then, that narrow door leads to a narrow road that in turn leads to life.  It is hard to find that road.  Not many people manage it." (Matthew 7:13-14 The Voice)
The Bible makes it clear that there are two paths. Can we keep focused on this thought-- that we are choosing life or death with each decision we make.   And then, of course, the idea that decisions affect only us is a lie.  Sin ensnares not only the sinner but also those in its wake.  We are all leaving a legacy of life or death, blessings or curses (Deuteronomy 30:19).Herein lies our responsibility to choose wisely.  We impact those who follow us.  How are our decisions and actions impacting their lives?  What kind of example are we?

Birthday Celebration with my Bible Study

 "These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David's son, Israel's king--written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going; A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality." Proverbs 1:1-4

I am currently reading a book on the two "women" of Proverbs 1-9--wisdom and folly.  It has really made me think a lot about wisdom and folly--and the choices we make.  This book is by Donna Gaines. (Choose Wisely, Live Fully)  

Cheevit Cheeva--Korean ice cream dish

                                                      Ezra thinks it's quite good!

 We celebrated my birthday with a nice dinner out and this special Korean shaved ice cream.  It was delicious!  As you can see, Ezra would give it a high rating!  Audrey had a special birthday (30th) this year, just a few days after mine.  Matt arranged for a surprise party for her at their home.  

                                                         Audrey's 30th Birthday Party

Donna mentions that our lives are t he product of our choices.  She talked about some people's view of life being like a game show.  A contestant stands before two doors.  She does not know what is behind either door and thinks that her fate relies on guesses, luck, and wishful thinking.  We do not know what each day will hold, but we do know who holds each of our days in the palm of His hand, and as believers in Jesus Christ, we can navigate life with a great deal of certainty.  God has given us His Holy Word to gain wisdom and make wise choices in this life.  The principles of Scripture will guide us--if we are willing to spend time in meditation and study.  The Holy Spirit within us will illuminate and direct our understanding.  

Randy Alcorn wrote in his book, Happiness, "When we seek holiness at the expense of happiness or happiness at the expense of holiness, we lose both the joy of being holy and the happiness birthed by obedience.  God commands holiness, knowing that when we follow His plan, we'll be  happy."

We had a great time with Dave's brother Doug and Cathy

We were very thankful for Doug, Dave's brother and his wife Cathy visiting with us in February.  It was so good to see them and have them see where we live and minister here.  We appreciate them making the trip.  They also spent some time on their own in southern Thailand (the beach) and in Bangkok.  The ox cart ride was part of the "package" at the elephant camp.  I kept asking myself, "Really, I paid money for this?"  It was a unique experience--and I was thankful for that, but it was not the smoothest of rides! :)

Easter dinner for The Gathering

What a joy and blessing from our Heavenly Father that we could be here with sweet Ezra.  He is such a joy as he is growing and developing--and understanding so much more each day.  May we treasure each moment we get to spend with him and Matthew and Audrey.  God is good!  Please pray for Dave and I as we attend the International Church Conference in Vietnam in April.  We will be traveling with our good friends--pastor and wife of the German church here.

Donna Gaines concludes: "We should study God's Word to know Him!  When we approach our time in the Word as an opportunity to commune with the Father we will find ourselves growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him.  We will obtain His wisdom, counsel, and divine direction for living."  Check out the blessings of Wisdom and the curses of Folly in Proverbs  chapters 1-9.  
      "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them
       on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favor and good repute in the sight
       of God and man.  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on
       your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make
       your paths straight." (Prov. 3:3-6)
We so covet and value your continued prayers for us as we minister here.  Please pray:

• That we will be salt and light to everyone with whom we come into contact.
• That we will have opportunities to share a reason for the hope we have in Christ.
• For continued good health and strength to do the necessary tasks
• For the Lord's peace and discernment for challenges that arise 
• That we will love and serve the people of our Gathering Church with Christ-like love.
• For Dave as he preaches each Sunday to such a diverse group of people
• For the women in Bible study that we might grow in the knowledge of His Word--and apply it to our lives.  (What good is your faith?)
• Pray that we will gain insight and fresh ideas for ministry with international churches at our conference.
• Please pray for Matthew, Audrey and Ezra as they minister with Faithful Heart Foundation.
• Pray that we will value and treasure the time we have with Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra

Attentive to the Warnings of our Heavenly Father

February 2018  Attentive to the Warnings of our Heavenly Father

Going to the park--sunscreen and sunglasses ready but not looking totally thrilled

2 Chronicles 36:15  "The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again because He had pity on His people and on His dwelling place.  But they mocked God's messengers, despised His Words and scoffed at His prophets."

Throughout the Scriptures, God was giving warnings to His people--like a loving, caring parent trying to guide his children and to help them avoid danger.  In Genesis, God warned Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil--but they were free to eat of any other tree in the garden.  What  devastating results for all mankind because they did not heed God's warning.  Just a little later, Cain is also on a path of destruction in thought and attitude, and God warns Him:  "Why are you angry?  Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?"  And then, "But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." Once again Cain did not heed the warning, and dire consequences resulted.   And for us today, like a loving parent, God sends us warnings through different means.  God's Word can sound a warning if we are perceptive enough to hear it. That's why being regularly in the Word is so important.   Kyle Idleman says, "...part of the supernatural power of God's Word is that it often intersects our lives when we are most desperate for the truth.  Like a GPS system that gives us a heads up when our exit is quickly approaching, God's Word speaks into our lives right when we need it the most."  God has  been speaking this into my life recently from a book I've been reading--AHA (Awakening, Honesty, Action) by Kyle Idleman.

Ezra is always ready to interact with kids.  Here he is playing with the little neighbor girl at our house.  A shovel, a couple of toys, and some dirt--what fun!

Sometimes we need a wake-up call to let us know that we're off the path or headed the wrong way--headed for destruction.  Sometimes something dramatic in our lives has woken us to this need.  If we're sensitive, God's holy Word can convict us and get us back on the path--headed the right way.  But that wake-up call must be followed by brutal honesty on our parts.

                         What fun to have lunch recently with Home of Faith, part of the foundation for which Matthew and Audrey work.  

                                  Dad and Ezra showing off/ Dave's brother,Doug and wife, Cathy--bottom right
                                  Dave and I are hidden behind the raised Ezra on the far left

God can also use examples in Scripture like Adam and Eve and Cain and many others as a wake-up call.   I Cor. 10:11-12 says, "These things happened to them (Israel) as examples and were written down as warnings for us.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall."  God's Word can sound the alarm, we have examples from Scripture,and hopefully we have godly friends that will tell us what we need to hear and not only what we want to hear.  May God, our loving Father, open our eyes to any sin that has blinded us and any lies from the evil one that have deceived us.  And then---hopefully we can be brutally honest about what needs to change and be willing to take action.  Our actions as a result of faith is what sets us apart--that we might declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into this wonderful light.

                                                           Joy and Bom's Wedding

                                                                  Grandma and Ezra at Maria's wedding

                                                               Matt sharing at Maria's wedding

                                                                  Sher speaking at GICS Chapel
Please pray:

• That our lives--actions---may declare the praises of our great and mighty God--that we might be salt and light everywhere we go and to everyone with whom we come into contact.
• That we might have patience to "go with the flow" here.  We are definitely learning this truth--but we need to learn it yet more and more.  
•  For Dave as he preaches to such a diverse group of people each week--that he may preach the Gospel clearly and succinctly
• For Sher's Bible study--that all involved will grow in their knowledge of the Word and be transformed by it..
• Thank you for your prayers for our yearly visas--your prayers were answered! Please continue to pray for scheduled check-ins and paper work that we must continue to process.
• For continued good health and strength to do necessary tasks
• For us to love and encourage this body of believers to the best of our ability
• For Matthew and Audrey's ministry with Faithful Heart Foundation
• Please pray for the challenges that come in any labor for the Lord--that our hearts and attitudes would be right and pure
• That we would make the most of this dear time with Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra--what a wonderful gift from God--and for the ones we miss back home.