Full & Good

I can tell already that this post is going to be messy... I have so much to share and yet it seems like too much time has passed now to cover it all. Sorry if I jump around!

Life is full. God is good.

Recently I wrote a post over on the ZOE blog called The Gift of a 'Work in Progress'. 

As an Enneagram Type 7 person I like to experience life to the fullest, but I avoid pain. So the idea of entering into chaos and mess is often not natural for me. But God is helping me to enter in more fully and “be” with others in the same way that He is with me. 

As a Type 7, I also get bored easily which is why I like excitement and trying out new things. Sometimes it might mean that I leave things unfinished though as I move onto something new... which is why I started this post a while ago and it was never completed. 

Yes! I'm sure this explains a lot about me :) 

Life is full.

Way back in September I had a quick trip back to Australia for the Geography Teachers' Association of Victoria (GTAV) conference in Melbourne. Sharon and I were representing ZOE handing out and sharing with teachers all about our updated Year 10 curriculum. We passed out 100 USB sticks to different Geography teachers from schools all over the state, and heard many positive comments from teachers who were already using it in their schools.

At ZOE, I work as part of the International Communication Team, which means I collect and share stories about what God is doing. As ZOE grows, our team aims to be able to support our coworkers in Australia, Thailand, USA, Japan and Mexico.  I love this role because it is quite diverse. From developing guidelines, collaborating on projects, to collecting stories, writing creatively etc.  The role entails meeting with local and foreign staff in order to gather information and news to make posts for the international website. I am also working on tasks like the Thailand Quarterly Report, International Annual Report, Australian social media pages etc. amongst other things.

During the times when I'm not at ZOE, I am still attending Thai language classes two mornings a week (slowly.... slowly).  I have also enjoyed serving at our local church a bit more. For the past few months, I was able to help on a committee for the annual women’s retreat here in Chiang Mai. It was a wonderful experience. I have also helped out by writing a couple of devotionals for our church's Christmas Advent devotional, as well as ushering/ serving communion once a month.

God is good.

The women's retreat was a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with seven other women from ZOE who also attended. It was a peaceful weekend with periods of restful meditation, times of learning, many hearty laughs and sweet conversations with friends. It truly was such a joy-filled time and a real blessing.

Our family is growing (upwards). Our eldest son was shorter than me in June and then taller than me in July! And it happened that quickly. Our daughter will be 'officially' a teenager next month and our youngest is becoming more and more independent with each passing day -despite the fact that I keep trying to hang on to 'my baby'. 

11 year old boys making pizza!

These past months for our kids have been full of sports-tryouts, birthday parties, auditions, youth group, games, rehearsals, tournaments, projects, lots of homework, friends over and rich discussions about as much as possible. These times are precious and tiring but oh how proud I am of the people they are becoming. I go to bed late and exhausted but with a full heart of thankfulness for all God is doing in each of their lives. I am blessed.

Really - I have no idea how to parent teenagers. Seriously!! It is the most wonderful and challenging of experiences. But these are very precious times not to be wasted. What a joy and honor to have this job.  I often have this feeling like I'm fumbling around blindfolded and I have to carefully find my way around in the dark.  It's causing me to have to rely on my other senses more. Even when I can't "see" what God is doing, I am learning to tune in and hear His guiding voice more. And I know that His goodness and love surround me. Even when I'm not sure where the path ahead is, I can step out in faith knowing He will lead me as I trust Him.

See! I told you this post would be messy! But hey, life is messy... and marvelous all at once! May we fully enter in. 

"I’m so thankful that God gives us discernment and sensitivity to the needs around us so that at those times when we just want to walk around, go a different way, or avoid the chaos, He helps us to enter in and “be” with others in the same way that He is with us." 

- The Gift of a 'Work in Progress'  

So Come...

After a hard day at school or work, the location where we are free to be ourselves: to laugh, to cry, to reflect, to process and acknowledge our emotions and thoughts, is our home.

Usually we can try to ‘hold it together’ when people are relying on us, when we need to get our job done, finish a test, complete an assignment or manage our everyday tasks.  But for most of us, ‘home’, is a place of safe refuge, unconditional love and limitless acceptance – well it should be, right?

I was reminded recently about the children who ZOE has helped to rescue. 

When they arrive, they’ve generally had little-to-no control over their environment and circumstances so, understandably, they experience varying emotions from distrust, fear, shame and grief. They may also have injuries, be unwell or arrive addicted to substances.  

For them to understand that they have a reached a place where they are free to be who they were created to be, where they are loved and accepted for who they are, where wounds can heal and joy be restored… it’s an overwhelming experience and one that is often hard to believe.

As I stood in the Child Rescue Center recently, a place where the journey begins, I felt so tremendously grateful – not just for the beautiful buildings, gardens and facilities but for the amazing people who stand ready to embrace these precious children. 

This poem is about them.

SO, COME

Come with your tear streaked eyes,

Come with your loneliness,

Come with your abandonment,

Bring it. 

You are no longer alone.

Come with your hidden pain,

Come with your rejection,

Come with your silent anger,

Bring it.

You are no longer invisible.

Come with your shattered trust,

Come with your fears,

Come with your broken dreams,

Bring them.

You are no longer unheard.

Come with your scars,

Come with your shame,

Come with your unworthiness,

Bring them.

You will no longer be blamed.

Come with your silenced voice,

Come with your wounded heart,

Come with your numbing pain,

Bring them.

You are no longer imprisoned. 

Come with your chaos,

Come with your loss,

Come with your rejection,

Bring them.

You are welcome here.

And the longer you stay, 

The more you’ll begin to understand,

You are brave.

You are worthy.

You are incredible.

You are truly one of kind.

So, come.

*This poem speaks of the love and kindness that the ZOE staff display day-in and day-out to the ones who have never known and experienced ‘home’ before and the beautiful freedom that comes from being accepted and embraced, ‘just as they are’. 

The Power of Three

Have you got a favourite number? 

I don't really. 

For some reason though, the number 3 seems to come up a lot. 

I am one of three children. 

I have three children. 

And, strangely I often find myself at the supermarket subconsciously buying things in threes. 

Of course, for people with a Christian faith, the number 3 has significance. God being three in one (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Peter denying Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Jesus asking Peter three times if he loves him (John 21:15-17).

That is just to mention a few examples from the 467 times the number 3 is mentioned in the Bible!

When I recently heard a song by Hillsong, Young & Free from their newest album - named Three, the words of the song impacted me greatly and I was, once again, reminded how this significant number is in my life.

  

Maybe you know the old song, 'Jesus Loves Me'. 

Jesus loves me this I know, 

For the Bible tells me so. 

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak but He is strong.

For me, its one of those of songs that feels like it's been a part of my life since before I can even remember. And as a parent, I can recall bed times when my children were much smaller - times when I had no words of comfort left of my own and all I could do was to stroke their hair gently and sing those lyrics quietly over them.   

Those beautiful words first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel, spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child, but the tune was added in 1862. After publication as a song it became one of the most popular Christian hymns in churches around the world, especially among children.

And now, this new version of the song is bringing fresh reminders for our family of those comforting and life-changing truths, speaking life and love into our lives during both the best and worst of days.

 

Jesus Loves Me

Hillsong Young & Free

It was just three words

But it changed my life

Just a childlike truth

That consumed my mind

From my life's first breath

Till the day I rise

All I need to know

Is this age old line

Jesus loves me this I know

Jesus loves me this I know

I won't forget the Bible says

That He loves me so

It was just three nails

That held Him on that cross

But God was not restrained

For He was there by choice

As He gave His life

For a world He loved

So the earth replied

In this age old song

Jesus loves me this I know

Jesus loves me this I know

I won't forget the Bible says

That He loves me so

It was just three days

But it changed our world

For when there seemed no way

From the grave He rose

Jesus loves me this I know

Jesus loves me this I know

I won't forget the Bible says

That He loves me so

As a parent, I have days when I feel like most of my conversations with my children involve, "You need to change that...", "More of this...", "Less of that...", "Don't do that...", "Do this..."

But at the end of the day when my advice, warnings, recommendations, commands and instructions are left ringing in their ears - all I really want my children to know is one thing... that I love them. 

When they're all grown up, more than anything else I want them to reflect back and know that they were loved. More than helping them with homework, more than baking yummy treats, more than the toys and clothes I bought them, more than the lectures, more than the acts of service, words of encouragement and physical affection... my heart cries out, "I love you!"

Three words.

I think that's what so special about this old song is that those three simple words sum everything else up, "Jesus Loves Me".

Maybe for some people, this message may be hard to accept. For some, it may seem inconceivable or unbelievable.

And if that's you... would you test it out this week? 

Simply, ask Jesus to show you His love.

It could be life changing... I know it has been for me. 

The power of three!

Read more here: https://www.kansascity.com/living/religion/article1319649.html?x_cw_context_provider=safari#storylink=cpy

Off the Beaten Track

We went on a hike last weekend with friends. It's always amusing to see all the different personalities emerge and watch all of our individual ways of handling this kind of adventure, or challenge, as it is for some.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Some of us love the wild and unpredictable, the idea of getting lost, the places where there is no path and the challenge of the unmarked journey. Others of us like to know the plan, how long the journey will take, where we can we stop and what snacks there are to eat... You get the picture!

What fascinates me though is how we relate to 'life' in general, does not always correspond to how we approach a hike. Take me, for example. In general, I do like to know the plan. I try to be organised and prepared. I like to be punctual and complete tasks within a set time frame. But on a hike the thought of getting lost excites me, the fact that we don't know which way we're going or what time we'll finish brings out the care-free side of me and it's refreshing to be reminded that there are times when it's okay not to rush... to know... or to have a plan. And sometimes it takes getting off the beaten track to be reminded of that.  

 "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." 

- John Muir 

I must say, I really enjoyed the hike. I mean I was so hot and sweaty by the end, sometimes my muscles ached and the long grass against my skin made me itchy. But this road less travelled, was a moment in time to be surrounded by nature and see interesting bugs and creatures in their natural environment (instead of my kitchen for a change). And to be lost... lost in the physical sense of not really knowing which direction we were going but lost in thoughts too. And sometimes that's exactly when everything starts to make more sense and become clearer. It's like we get a new way to see everything.

How often do we make time to wander, to explore and to connect in this different way? I know I don't do it nearly enough but I loved the opportunity to disconnect and clear my mind of the normal, every-day stresses. And I know it's something our family need to do more often.

"Maybe the best moment of your life will be on your next big adventure." 

- Siya Zarrabi

Your Beautiful Hands Can...

“All ‘hands’ on deck!” is what one of our kid’s church pastors shouts when it’s time to pray.  It’s a good reminder for the children to stop what they’re doing, clasp their hands and focus on God.

Hands are so amazing aren’t they? The fact that they can do so many different things as well as communicate so much about how we’re feeling. 

They can show others when we’re nervous, tired, appreciative, mad, hurting, thoughtful… and so many other emotions!

They can also do so many things too.  They help us to swim, hug, cook, drive, write… this list goes on and on!!

Our hands also tell others information about us like whether we are married or single, our taste in jewelry, our age group and whether or not we bite our nails!!

But have you ever considered that your hands could also help fight child trafficking?  We know that most of you don’t have too much time on your “hands” but we’ve found a way that you can help without having to feel like time is slipping through your fingers.

We have produced an intricate colouring book called “Your Beautiful Hands Can” and in the right “hands” this book can do amazing things!

On one “hand” you can be having fun and doing something relaxing but on the other “hand” you will be helping kids in Thailand.

“But I’ve never tried my ‘hand’ at coloring or doodling,” I hear you say. 

Well this book would also make a lovely gift for someone or can be used as a fundraising activity for youth groups, churches and schools.

We’ll leave it in your “hands” to think creatively about the many other ways that this book can assist with the business at “hand” which is rescuing and caring for children.

I personally will not sit on my hands, or twiddle my thumbs, waiting for the right time.  The issue of modern day slavery is already out of “hand”!!!

The time is NOW! 

Wouldn’t it feel great to say that you had a “hand” in helping to fight child trafficking? 

I say, let’s use whatever we have at “hand” and make slavery disappear forever.

Will you lend a “hand”?  Watch the short video below!!

Email andrea@gozoe.org for quotes and expressions of interest for bulk ordering in packs of 50 or 100.  Books will be ready in June 2016!

1826 days ago...

… Dave and I bundled three, small, crying children onto an Air Asia, $49 dollar, one-way flight bound for Chiangmai.

… we said goodbye to a home that we loved and a safety net of friends and family whom we adored.

… we swapped "normal" for different.

… we gave up trying to plan and predict and have control.

… we stopped earning an income and really started relying on Our Provider to supply all our needs.

… we started caring more and crying more and praying more.

… we began waiing, removing our shoes at the front door and trying foods that we'd never heard of.

… we learnt sounds and tones that English words just don't have.

… and we got a glimpse of the plan God had for our family.

1826 days ago…

… life as we knew it changed and so did we.

It's hard to describe, sum up or put into words just how thankful we are for this journey we're on.  Just by flipping through some of our blog posts I hope you can see how faithful God has been and how much we just love serving Him.  People, circumstances and life can be unkind but God is good - all the time - and nothing has been more true for us this past 5 years.

This week I have had enjoyed reminiscing our journey so far by looking through some old photos and videos.

Join me for a trip down memory lane!  Here's a small overview of the past 5 years here in Thailand.

January 2010- January 2015

The children's first visit to the new ZOE home.

Before we had a car...

Flag bearer, International Day at kindergarten.

Lunch at the ZOE kid's school.

Tobi's first field trip.

Eliana's first field trip.

 Border run to Burma.

 Shoe distribution to a local village.

 Moo ping for breakfast.

 Riding elephants!

Thai wedding in the village.

 Kid's camp at ZOE.

Celebrating Christmas with our ZOE family.

 Hmmm… odd one out!

 Village visit.

A visit to the zoo.

Run for Relief 5km fun run. 

 Friends from Bangkok, 13 people in the car!

 At the elephant camp.

 Our first Christmas (and fake tree).

 Lantern festival

Visiting a village.

Our ZOE missionary family- back then!

 Kindergarten friends.

 This lady's son lived in Australia!

 Rainy season!

 New experiences!

Soda-in-a-bag

 Breakfast on-the-go

 Lime stone water falls

 Eli Thai dancing.

 Stopping on the side of the road for dinner.

 Our very first Thanksgiving.

 Hospital visit.

 Graduation!

 Barbecue dinner at ZOE.

 Chapel.

 Off to preschool!

 Fun at the waterfalls.

 ANZAC Day- Thai style.

Games at ZOE.

And now...

We're excited to see what God's got planned for the next 5 years.  

Thanks so much for supporting us on this journey.