Saturday, March 31, 2007

Playing dress up!


I went to Heather's house and spent the night this past week. We had fun cooking, telling stories, and playing "Dress up" in her sister's beautiful saris!!!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Resting (Email to Parents)

Streams in the Desert readings for this past week seem to be about “waiting” or “being still” or “being content where He has placed you.” It’s a good encouragement to me to wait and be still on whatever may happen in the future. I started reading the book “Inside Afghanistan” today and am already captured just by the first chapter. It’s strange too because the first chapter is mainly just background information about the Taliban and how they took over the country, and September 11th, and a lot of names of government officials and other stuff that I initially struggled to get through. But I stuck with it, and feel drawn to the adventure that lies ahead of the author himself.

Anyway, selections from Streams in the Desert for March 22 says…

“Forty years was a long time to wait in preparation for a great mission. Yet when God delays, He is not inactive. This is when He prepares His instruments and matures our strength. Then at the appointed time we will rise up and be equal to our task…

God is never in a hurry. He spends his years preparing those He plans to greatly use, and never thinks of the days of preparation as being too long or boring.

The most difficult ingredient of suffering is often ‘time.’ A short sharp pain is easily endured, but when a sorry drags on its long and weary way year after monotonous year, returning day after day with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength. Without the grace of God, the heart is sure to sink into dismal despair.

Today we may be unable to see the final outcome of the beautiful plan that God has hidden ‘in the shadow of his hand’ (Isa. 49:2). It may be concealed for a very long time, but our faith may rest in the assurance that God is still seated on His thrown. Because of this assurance, we can calmly await the time when, in heavenly delight, we will say, ‘All things have worked together for good.” (Romans 8:28)

In regards to Joseph- and his preparation (i.e. being sold into slavery, imprisoned, etc before he got to be second in command to the King!): ...and if we have gained the qualities that make us ready for a throne, nothing will keep us from it once His timing is right…

Don’t steal tomorrow from God’s hands. Give Him time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never late – learn to wait.

He never shows up late; He knows just what is best;
Fret not yourself in vain; until He comes, just REST!

Thursday, March 22, 2007

"I want to LIVE life, but I also want to remember it! (Journal Entry)

“I want to live life, but I also want to remember it.”

I told this to Roberta last night on the phone, as we were talking about life being filled with so many things, it just seems like you’re going in various directions and doing so much stuff. I told her how I can’t wait to come and just sit in my front yard, and watch the neighbors. Haha…though the neighbors at home in Delaware don’t really do much, like the neighbors here. I then said, “I mean, I want to do things, I want to live life…but I don’t want to do so much that I don’t remember any of it.”

Robin said today, "It's hard to take a break here in Kahan, but I remember it being much harder to take a break in America- because if you aren’t doing 10 things at once, if you aren’t attending 2 bible studies and teaching a Sunday school class, then it’s viewed as bad in some way."

She’s right. I feel busy here, but it’s nothing compared to my life in America. It’s TONS more busy there. Granted I could come home at night, and generally, relax. I do wonder what my life will be like when I go back.

I also wonder about Mark, Jennifer and Natatlie, and how I can be there for them, as their sister. I want to be there for them...how can I?

Akash (a friend from home) told me, “they’re growing up, and you’re missing it.”

Only a few months more til the family reunion. But then, back here or somewhere again? I sometimes think I’ll go home and never leave again. But then I picture myself at home…and thinking of…Panna, Gaitree, Hema, Ganga- images of Kahani people start to come into my mind- Kahani people doing their pujas (prayers), going to temples…dying without knowing. And not just them…Afghans, Pakistanis, Africans, too many people are crossing through this life without knowing the Truth. How can I sit back and watch? If there was nothing I could do, I might understand more. But there is something I can do…I pray that you Lord, would begin showing me NOW, what you want me to do after this. Central Asia? Delaware? Where do you want me? What do you want me to do? Why do you want me there, and why do you want me doing that? I know those answers won’t be answered for years after the fact…haha…but it doesn’t hurt to ask! :) How long do you want me there, do you want me married before or after? Okay, that question doesn’t’ need to be asked now…haha.. :) I mean, I can ask it in this way - do you want me to have a companion for the work? And in what capacity?

Thank you for watching over me, and loving me. I love you so much.

Amen.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Catching fish...catching people? (Journal Entry)

Something interesting came up as we were workign on the calling of the first disciples story today. While we were talking about the part that says, "Like you have been catching fish, now you will be catching men..." Heather was realy puzzled and said, "Did Jesus want the disciples to kill people?" In other words, catching fish = killing fill, so if catching people is exactly the same as catching fish, then that must mean killing them too?

Needless to say, we worked on it, and she understood, and was able to adjust the phrasing to make it understandable that it was just in the way of "collecting/gathering" the fish - to illsutrate gathering people...not killing them!!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Be all there (Email to Parents)

Mommy, do you remember writing this?

---------------------------------------
“…..All this to say that if you ever begin to doubt that you are doing what God wants you to do, don’t. If you think for one minute that you might not be where God wants you to be, you are wrong. I’m quite sure that as hard as it is to leave your homeland, it will be equally hard for you to leave India in two years.

There is no doubt in my mind that you are doing what you were designed by God to do. That is the only way we could let you go. I don’t know what plans God has for you in those mountains of Kahan, but I know He DOES have plans for you there. He has already prepared relationships, situations, and opportunities for you right there.

Just as I have prepared for you to come home so many times and fixed things up for you and prepared special food, God has prepared things for you there in India. The certainty of His Sovereignty guarantees that this is so. Each detail is carefully constructed by a loving Heavenly Father, ready and waiting for you to experience and bring glory to Him through it all.

So enjoy what God has prepared for you. Be all there….”

-------------------

It’s typed on pink paper- you gave it to me as I was leaving Delaware…and I have saved it and read it several times over the past year- always seeming to come upon it again at the right moment.

Anyway, I love you so much, and could not be here without you. I think about coming home, and thinking, “I’ll never leave again” – like Dorothy- when she finally got back home… 'there’s no place like home.’

Recently I learned that the word for home/house here should only be used to refer to the place where your family lives. I called to a neighbor and she said, “I haven’t seen you in a few days, where have you been?” I said, “I’ve been at home” (meaning right here on the roof of the home I was standing on). She said, “You went home? Really?” I said, “no, this home…” – she was pretty confused.

I asked Gaitree later about it and I said “what do I call this place I’m living in right now- my home?” She said "No." You call it your room, or your rented place. She said “My family has lived in the town Kahan for several years, but that is not our home- our home is in R town- where we actually own land and where our ‘roots’ are. It has something to do with owning the place where you reside, but it has more to do with who is there…

No matter what, at least on this earth- my home will always be there…with you. And yet, being where He wants me (here for now), also feels like “home” in many ways. I think someone else said this, that the place you are most content, is in the plane going back and forth between the two places you love the most – the place you call ‘home’ and the place where He has called you. To satisfy your heart, being between the two sometimes feels the best!

Anyway, it’s already March 17- we have only 6 more stories that have not yet actually been started yet. Most of the rest have not been ‘approved’ yet, but they are at least started. I think this work may actually get completed…I think I might actually survive :)

I love you lots. And miss you too. But, I’ll be home before you know it! :) I’m sure!

~ Elizabeth

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Unfailing Love Lyrics

“…everything you hold in your hands, still you make time for me. I can’t understand…

Praise you God of earth and sky, how beautiful is your unfailing love, unfailing love. And you never change, God you remain the same, the Holy one, and my unfailing love, unfailing love.”

~ Chorus lyrics to “Unfailling Love” by Chris Tomlin

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

"This is really helpful to them!" (Email to Parents)

I called one of the main Indian workers who sent a several people for the storying workshop this morning to update him on how the workshop went and thank him for sending people.

Here is some of what he said- I found it very encouraging….

“They work mostly with non-literate people, in an oral culture so this is something really helpful to them.”
I think they (the guys he sent) will use what you taught them. They said they were happy to have gone to the training and were excited about it. They were encouraged, and impressed with your Kahani. I can take responsibility for my guys and challenge them to really use the training.
I am 100% behind you and supporting you.

Anyway, I think there is a bit of snow coming down with the rain right now as I look out the window- goodness!!!! It’s not sticking or anything, but it indicates how cold it is….I thought winter was over!!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Dreaming in Kahani (Email to Friends back home)

Hey Paltan! That is, if you scattered doston can still be considered a paltan (group)! Here, there, let’s see how far apart we can get!!!!

Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve sent out an update to you all, and so here’s the latest from my side.
(two village kids and me!)
Stories…
We have been working on stories day and night- several girls have been helping us make the stories- our neighbors listen to them and provide helpful feedback. I’m encouraged that our supervisor is approving some of the stories already. It’s exciting.

I’m continuing to learn language, Kahani. It’s amazing that sometimes I dream in Kahani now. Sometimes I can’t remember which language I spoke to someone in because it seems fairly natural now! Not that I’m fluent, but I can communicate! :) My grammer might not be correct- but I have enough friends who have listened to me enough to know what I’m basically trying to say!! ;) It’s neat to hear people’s response when I say, “I really don’t know Hindi, but I can speak to you in Kahani!” Last month, Robin (The girl I’m working with) and I had a workshop for some local leaders about the story work we’re doing. We talked the whole time in Kahani- and encouraged the people there to speak Kahani too- even though they are used to holding meetings in Hindi. My Hindi has actually decreased since I’m really focusing on understanding and communicating in the local language. BUT, I can still bargain with the auto rickshaws in the capitol! :)

Today is wet, rainy, cold, dreary- though the past few weeks have had pretty warm, sunny weather. I think summer is on it’s way, but winter still lingers. It also snowed here a few weeks back. We didn’t have electricity for more than 48 hours…that was fun. Electricity goes out nearly every day- sometimes for 10 minutes, sometimes for 6-7 hours. We’ve had water, but two weeks ago, our tanks were down to about 2 inches of water left- but fortunately the next day more water came, so we didn’t actually run out.

(picture - Holi festival - yeah, it's much better in this country than DE, it lasts for 5 days!)
Life here is going well in general. Days come where I miss home so much I think I’ll just leave. But remembering why I’m here, and that this work is important…helps keep me focused. At this point, I’ll probably be home around September-October- but not any fixed plans yet. It has been so great to see several of you over the past year and a half…I miss you all a lot. I’m sure it will be different to come home to a group that is now almost all nearly married, a new paltan baby, and most of you living NOT in Delaware! Ahh!! But, I’m glad we can still stay in touch…I’d love to hear what you are all up to as well…don’t feel you have to write as much- even just a few sentences letting me know how life is! :)

~ Liz

Monday, March 12, 2007

He is here! (Journal Entry)

Lord, today is rainy, dreary, cold, gloomy…but may it be the opposite of what is inside my heart. May I sing for joy to you today Lord! May I look at these stories with new insight and ideas and a passion for your Word. Give me strength to press on- give strength to Robin too- she’s been busy the past few days. Give her rest and endurance at the same time!!! I don’t know if the girls will come today or not- the weather tells me they won’t. And of course, would I want to go anywhere today?

Lord, I’m here waiting for you to meet me, and yet, a smile crosses my face, as I think about turning around and seeing you sitting there on the bed- you are already here…how cool is that? You are waiting for me! You are sitting right here with me…looking over my shoulder perhaps…man, a little scary, but more than that, it’s comforting…I’m not alone…you are here- you are with me!! I love you Jesus!

Thursday, March 8, 2007

"I don't care" - (Journal Entry)

I’m listening to a very old song right now: “Your love's got me going around the world....” (Newsong)…

Yeah, somehow I doubt these people will EVER believe you….I have such small faith- yes, I believe you parted the Red Sea, I believe you healed the lame, and gave sight to the blind, but the hearts of these people living on all sides of me- they will never see you…

And you know what- do I even care? I want to go home right now, but how can I be so heartless and not care if they spend eternity with you? Somehow, right now, in this moment, I just don’t care.

And yet, what if you said that about me? What if you said, “Oh, Elizabeth, I don’t really care about her, maybe she can find another way, maybe someone else will come along, she’s too stubborn, and not worth my time and my love- what will she do with it anyway? No, I’d rather spend time at home with my Father, in a comfortable place where I know the language and customs and don’t have to work hard. Yeah, I’ll just leave Elizabeth- I don’t really care."

And yet you didn’t say that- did you even feel that way at all? I think you did, you asked that “the cup” be taken from you…you didn’t want to go through it, in that moment you did feel how I feel right now…you felt like you’d rather be home than in the place where you were.

I guess this is a bit of what Pastor Strumbeck was talking about when he wrote to me about getting to the point of really not wanting to be in a place, but persevering because you know it's for His Glory ultimately, and it's because of HIM that you stay and press on - not because of the people, not because of your own strength...but because of Him. When that happens, you know you've truly arrived at embracing that kind of life.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Some Lyrics from Chris Tomlin

You made it all

Said, "let there be"

And there was

All that we see

The sound of Your voice

The works of Your hands

You do all things well

You do all things well

Thursday, March 1, 2007

STORYING WORKSHOP (Email Update)

Update on Storying Workshop (“Potential Future Storytellers” - see picture)

“What she is saying is right”
One of the local believers said this to another one when we discussed the importance of sharing the
stories with the village people in their heart language instead of the (more respected) trade language. Thank you again and again for your prayers for the storying workshop. In spite of a few frustrating moments, things went pretty well.

Over the past two days, the participants (local believers who speak the Kahani language and others from nearby cities) and Robin and I, listened to, discussed, and attempted to learn the first 5 stories in our initial set: Beginning-[includes Creation/Fall], Cain and Abel, God’s Promise to Abraham, David and Bathsheba, and David’s Punishment.

Encouraging and Frustrating…
It was encouraging that, at our insistence, they spoke in Kahani (local/village) language almost the whole time!
frustrating that when they retold a story they kept adding things from their own knowledge of the Bible
encouraging that when we told them of some testing results, they saw how Kahani people might misinterpret the story if they added or left out certain details
frustrating that when they acted out the Cain and Abel story they added a lot to the story that is not in the Book
encouraging that they really got into acting out the Cain and Abel story!
frustrating that we couldn’t understand everything that was said (due to our limited language)
encouraging that in spite of our limited language, they seemed to understand what we were saying, even if they are still processing the concepts.
encouraging that they saw an importance of starting at the beginning with Creation.
encouraging that they came back the second day!
encouraging that they are interested in another storying workshop, maybe a month from now.
encouraging that they said they would try to tell stories in their ministry!

* We ended the workshop with a challenge to them to try and tell the stories we learned (and others) and then when we meet again, we would like to hear a report of how it went.

Praise Him for:
- A talkative bunch of people- we feared they might not talk much. Instead, at times, it was hard to get them to be quiet!
- Several positive comments that were made about the stories and about using stories in their ministries
- Interest in another storying workshop- about a month from now.
- The participants leaving communicating with each other in Kahani- a lot more than when they arrived! :)

Ask him for:
- guidance as the people who participated in the workshop attempt to tell stories in their ministry
- stamina for us- even though it’s excited and motivating, Robin and I are physically and mentally tired- and neither one of us has slept well this week. Pray for rest and also perseverance as we get back into crafting stories.

* Immediate pr request: We haven’t had electricity for most of the day, and only have about 3 inches of water in the water tanks on our roof. Please pray that water comes tomorrow and our electricity comes back soon!!!

Til All Have Heard,
~ Elizabeth