We’re Here
Well, actually we’re still in the airport at Bangkok waiting for our flight to Chiang Mai. We’ve been here in Bangkok for a couple of days hanging out with Cindy’s family. Everything is really weird right now. I can’t speak for the others, but for me I’m finally dealing with the fact that this country is now my home - or needs to be. I don’t like being unsettled, and I’m looking forward to arriving in Chiang Mai and starting everything - or starting Kindergarten, as Sean says.
It’s strange being in transit like this, but I’ve learned something - from Qui-Gon Jinn, actually - that has given me some comfort: “Focus on the moment. Feel, don’t think.” Right now, looking back holds only longing and regret, while looking forward holds only fear. All I can do right now is focus on this moment and deal with it as it comes.
It’s a good way of handling stress and fear in general. Later, when I am not depressed, I can look back and be filled with joy at what God has done in my life and I can learn from the past. Also, when I am not afraid, I can look to the future to see my goals and dreams and become motivated to move on. But right now, when I miss my home and am afraid of the unknown, I will just deal with this moment.
Emmet also had a really good word for us. I’ll share it with you hopefully the next time I post and I’ll tell you what we think posting will look like now that we’re here. Although everything is in flux, so just like everything in Thailand, the keyword is “flexibility”.
Anyway, right now I have to board a plane.
Adam Cindy & Sean,
I am really glad to hear that you arrived safely. Actually this is the first time I’ve checked out your blog…I think I was in denial before. Hey, I want to be counted as a “friend” in the friends column!
Adam, I really appreciate what you said about death to self etc. in order for Jesus to complete his work. This is something we fight so hard about internally, but yes, you will have to deny yourselves as we all do when God asks us to follow Him. What always amazes me is that when I look at situations such as yours, lives that radiate Christ such as yours, that I have absolute faith that you will be able to do this. You have all sacrificed so much already in order to go, but Jesus’ reward is SO much greater than any other reward you can imagine. For what it’s worth I’d like you all to know that I am inspired and touched by your willingness to embark on this new life. Adam, remember when I first came to Coast and Joel abandoned us one Sunday and you had to lead worship and we were all stressed out? Remember how we just ended up praying and worshipping and not “practicing” and how awesome worship was because we decided to be free? I remember, and when I think about where you are now, I think “choose Jesus, not the situation.” God prepared us that day in his way, not ours. Even as I am writing this I am pointing the finger back at myself, but all to say that I know you are capeable and that God has made you ready.
Much love to you all.
The only advice I can give comes from Proverbs 3:5, 6
“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.”
Thanks, both of you guys. We appreciate the kind words.
Lis, you’ll need a website before I can put you in the Friends column. It’s not like those are my only friends though!
I too am glad to hear you made it safely. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28