It certainly has been awhile since writing in the blog. I believe that daily input into FB and then my studies that began in Christmas, have significantly affected my blogging; Studies consist of my endeavor to become certified in Biblical Counseling with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Counseling. This will most likely be a long haul as I take one class at a time. This, along with working full time in Member Care at the MSO, and my travels with Steve in Latin America and regular visits to family in Arizona, keep me busy.

One of the adjustments to Steve's position with LAM and our move to Miami, has been learning to live "solo" a goodly amount of time. Steve is traveling sometimes as much as he is home, so I can go anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks without him. Learning to live without my family close by, without all the normal support system of special friends, and being actively involved in church, I find that I have more alone time than ever before. How am I handling this, you might ask? Better than I would have anticipated. Truly this must be God's grace, as I thoroughly love spending time with those I love. Since our church, La Gran Commision, is spanish speaking, and being gone numerous weekends with travel, I have not gotten involved in ministry . . . . yet. But we are getting to know people and feeling more comfortable with being there, and I believe this will be the year of investing time and energy in our church "family". Steve has lead the way with a weekend of homiletical teaching to the leaders, and has even preached once. He is very close to the pastor, Nelson Guerra, as they are working together on a special minstry project that takes them to Honduras often. Nelson's wife, Lucy, is a wonderful lady, and in just a few conversations have found that we have much in common. We are similar age and station in life, both in ministry and family. I look forward to spending quality time with her.

Gordon has provided the most amazing gift to me by giving me his traveling privileges last year and this year. Knowing that I can go visit my family when needed is more comforting than I can even give words to. Surely a significant reason that I have adjusted as well to the changes I have encountered this last year.

Ever so often I have a moment that passes where I feel lonely in my frequent "sola" status. This weekend was one of those rare moments. I spent Easter alone. I don't say this for sympathy's sake, as I realize that God is teaching me things I could not learn any other way. So, with that clarification, let me say that being without Steve, children, grandchildren, parents, brothers, etc. was . . . well, I will just say it, hard. But even in the difficulty, there is peace; yes, even joy. Robby flew back from Honduras Saturday night as he accompanied Steve to a conference of about 3,000 church leaders from all over Latin America. Steve stayed through Tuesday as he had some more responsibilities to attend to. I picked Robby up from the airport about 8 pm and then turned around and took him back to the airport at 5 am the next morning. When I arrived home I decided to walk down the beach and see if there was a sunrise service happening. So, I set off in my shorts, flip flops, hair pulled back and no make up, walking down the beach. I did come across a service and was able to worship and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior with christians that I had never met before. It was a glorious time. The walk back on the beach gave me time to reflect. If you had asked me 10 years ago let's say, if I could be sane, let alone at peace, many miles away from my family and without the company of my husband much of the time, I would have said "impossible!". But I am learning to be content in all circumstances, and even finding the joy in them. God's faithfulness has been ever present in my life, and I can say without reservation, "God is Good, ALL THE TIME!"

Maine

I am sitting in an Internet Cafe in Bethel, Maine. Steve and I took some time out of our hectic schedule to enjoy some very quiet, relaxing time in the cabin of some new friends. It was built in 1912; with one addition, it is relatively similar to the way it was when originally built. Although the temperature has not exceeded 41 degrees, we have used only the wood stove in the kitchen and the fireplace in the family room for heating. The house temp stays around 59 degrees in the most used areas of the house and we have become surprising accustomed to this. It really even feels warm to us . . . of course when it is 30 something degrees outside, that is not so surprising. There is no television (yeah!) and I am now on my 3rd book. Sitting around the fireplace at night, listening to Andre Bocceli, and reading our books , has been such a wonderful and re-invigerating experience. I think I just might call a television fast when we return to Miami! Of course, sitting around the fire in October in Miami is not exactly reasonable . . . When we left a week and a half ago, there were record setting temperatures. I think it was 93 degrees at the highest. That might have something to do with the cold I have right now!

Anyway, we have had a wonderful time in Massachusetts and now Maine. We stayed a few days in the home of Gene and Pat, some new friends, and Pat showed me some lovely areas of the countryside. Above is a picture of a general store that we visited as well as the quaint town of Concord.

Anti-Self Realization

This is a quote from Oswald Chambers that I read today and it had even greater impact on me as we are presently in Mexico City, visiting and getting to know our missionaries and their ministries.  We have seen such a testimony of self sacrifice among our people.  Hence the deeper impact of these words.

"Our Lord's teaching was always ANTI-SELF REALIZATION.  His purpose is not the development of a person - His purpose is to make a person exactly like Himself, and the Son of God is characterized by SELF-EXPENDITURE. If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain but what He pours through us that really counts.  God's purpose is not simply to make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes that HE MAY SQUEEZE THE SWEETNESS OUT OF US.

Our spiritual life cannot be measured by success as the wold measures it, but only by what God pours through us.  AND WE CANNOT MEASURE THAT AT ALL."

We have witnessed in the week that we have been here, ministries perpetuated not by finances but by passion; a family with 2 children giving up a home with space to move and a  back yard, to minister to people in a community that has no evangelical church yet, where the homes are about 800 to 1000 square feet, sharing common walls, and no  yard.  The homes are soon tattooed with graffiti and just going to a neighborhood market is a risky adventure. We have witnessed a widow of 84, who has dedicated her life to seeing the people of Mexico deepen their walk with the Lord.  She writes and publishes books, teaches classes to young and old alike, pastors and laypeople, as though she were a professor in his or  her 30's.  She walks up 2 sets of steep stairs to her apt. and her office.  When you remind her that she is only 6 years from being 90, she just puffs and says, "Well, I used to do everything much faster".  

We have witnessed a couple with 3 children that gave up a business in Chicago and live in an unbearably dirty neighborhood, where the husband takes a bus 2 hours each way, 5 days a week, to go to language school.  Within the first 3 weeks of their arrival to the country, he was held up at gunpoint and robbed on the very bus he takes to school each day.  With a gun pointed to his head and the knowledge that he very possibly could be murdered, he said God flooded his spirit with such a peace and he realized that he was ready to die if necessary.  

This is only a sampling of what we have witnessed this week.  It begs the question, 

Am I prepared to pour out my life for Him?  Personally I can say that the desire to do so is even greater today that it was a week ago.      

A True American Hero

While walking the dogs this afternoon I walked passed an elderly gentleman wearing a cap that represented an arm of the Military Service.  He said something to me in spanish and I stopped to hear what he said. A short but sweet conversation ensued.  I asked him if he had served in the military and he told me that he was born in Cuba and when he was just 21 he saw a sign about serving your country . . . . so he immigrated to the U.S. and joined the Air Force!  He became a pilot and  expressed how grateful he was that he never had to kill anyone.  He served for many years until he said laughingly, " they asked how long I was going to be staying".  He was an amiable man, and very gracious.  I had the opportunity to say thank you for serving our country.

He smiled and we parted ways as I returned to my home and he, his.

  

On June 28, 2009, Marine Col. Kenneth L. Reusser passed away at the age of 89. 

Col. Reusser flew 253 combat missions in WWII, the Korean AND the  Vietnam War. He was shot down in all 3 wars - 5 times in all.  He earned 2 Navy Crosses, 4 Purple Hearts, 2 Legions of merit, among his 59 medals.

"In 1945, while based in Okinowa, he stripped down his F4U-4 Cosair fighter and intercepted a Japanese observation plane at an altitude much higher than usual. When his guns froze, he flew his fighter into the observation plane, HACKING OFF IT'S TAIL WITH HIS PROPELLER.

In 1950, while serving in the storied "Black Sheep Squadron", he led an attack on a North Korean tank-repair facility at Inchon, then destroyed an oil tanker - almost blowing himself out of the sky in the process.

During the Vietnam War, Reusser flew helicopters. he was leading a Marine Air Group in a rescue mission when his own "Huey" was shot down.  He needed skin grafts over 35% of his badly burned body.

Reusser was born January 27, 1920, the son of a minister.  While still a teenager, he became a committed Christian, which remained a big part of his life.

Reusser lived a "Tom Sawyer-ish" existence, jumping off a barn roof to test a parachute, racing motorcycles to help pay for college, and earning a pilots license before WW II broke out. 

Kenneth Reusser was called the most decorated Marine aviator in history.

If you are like me, it is difficult to see "The Greatest Generation" passing away.  Their training and proving ground was WW II, and so many of them rose to the occasion becoming the hero's of their generation.  Sadly, the "hero's" of today have become the Michael Jackson's and Michael Jordon's.  Men of unsurpassed talent, but could they hold a candle to the bravery and integrity of one such Col. Reusser? I dare say, not.

Summer

We celebrated the first day of Summer in Key Biscayne, with 15 of our new Orientee's.  We are in the midst of one of two yearly  2 week Orientations, this being our first with Steve in his new position.  We are so impressed with our new missionaries.  What a privilege to get to know and work for such amazing people.  Key Biscayne is the place that we held our weekend retreat, which was at a small, but comfortable motel near the beach.  There was a playground and pool for the children and we were steps away from the ocean. There was area there where hundreds of Iguanas reside.  How strange to have them just feet away from us! 

Despite the heat, we performed several team building activities outside.  Yesterday afternoon was "free time", so Steve and I came home and after a stop at Costco,  I cooked him a steak and myself some salmon and we relaxed in our chairs and napped and watched golf.  The highlight of our day was skyping our children and grandchildren who were at Mom and Dad's house for a pajama breakfast to celebrate Father's Day.  Oh, how we would love to be with everyone on days such as this!  But, alas, we are here and family is there. 

The news is informing us that we are breaking records with heat.  All I know is that upon rising in the morning, the windows are steamed up and when I open the the door to the balcony, the air is so heavy that at times it is difficult to even breathe.  I walk the dogs early, usually about 6:30 am, and take them out quickly for the afternoon.  Evening walks are a little more comfortable the later we go.  Last night I took them out at about 9:30 pm, and then went for a swim in the pool.  You can not believe how warm the ocean and pool waters are.  Of course I am used to warm pool water having living in Arizona, but I am always stunned at the temperature of the ocean when I dip my feet in.  The sand bars go out for quite a ways, so to swim in the ocean is more than possible and enjoyable.  Sometimes the water is as smooth as glass.   Not good for surfing, not that I am a surfer, but great for just swimming and being in the water. This really is a beautiful place to live.  

Stefani came in last week for several days, but it was anything but a fun visit.  We spent the entire time in doctors offices getting her tested for fainting episodes that she has been having over the last few months.  Fortunately the tests have shown her to be healthy, although a Mitro Valve Prolapse showed up.  But that is not the reason for her episodes and there is nothing to be done for MVP.  She wasn't very thrilled with Miami, but then she didn't see much of it either.  Must be strange to visit your parents, and not "go home", but visit them in a totally new environment. I am sure that added to her desire to get back to Phoenix as soon as possible!

So, Summer is here . . . . I am making the effort to see the beauty and the good in all that is around me.  God is teaching me how to be content in all circumstances, in plenty and in want!

 

Unexpected Reunions

Last night was a step back in time for Steve and I . . . . Steve is on a killer traveling schedule this summer trying to fit in visiting many of our missionaries and get to know their ministries, as well as initiating new vision and ministry.  I picked him up from the airport at 7 pm, as he was returning from a short trip to Costa Rica. Despite the lateness of the hour and being tired from his cross country trip, we rushed across town  and met in a prearranged REUNION  dinner for 8 with couples from Argentina, some of which  we had not seen in 18 years.  One of the couples, Jorge and Susanna Ibbarbalz, were part of the group of families that we vacationed with  for a month at the beach in Miramar. Part of the Argentine culture is that during the summer every family takes a month off either in January or February, going to a coastal city in the country or for some, traveling to Brazil or Spain.  Our family has some of the most amazing memories of this time as more than a half dozen families, for three or four consecutive years, would travel to Miramar, spend our days basking on the beach and our nights cooking asado's together, or eating at neighborhood restaurants .  All of our children ranged in age from babies to teenagers and the kids would hang out together sometimes according to age groups, or sometimes in a roving "pack". We played "paddle" (a cross between tennis and handball)  on courts just off the water, sat for hours talking on the beach or sipping mate in each others rented summer homes. Susanna reminded us of one of those summers, when the men decided to prepare a Valentine Day dinner for the women. (Remember, summers are during our winters here in the States!) So the men planned and put together a romantic and surprisingly delicious dinner. There was watermelon salad cut into the shape of hearts, Chicken Cordon Bleu, garlic mashed potatoes; beautifully decorated tables with  candles and  flowers. Steve obviously had a strong influence since that is not very Argentine in either menu or culture! But the women loved the attention and effort and the men thoroughly enjoyed the process and response. And 18 years later we are still talking about it! 

The week previous, Steve and I were in Arizona.

Steve went for ministry purposes, but while there so close to family and friends, he was able to fit in some quality time with both.  One of the highlights of that week was a REUNION with 3 of the kids that he ministered to as a Youth Pastor 30 years ago.  While they are now in their 40's, married with teenage children of their own, they took a morning and went to the lake to ski.  They reminisced about those 2 short, yet fun packed years together.  Much to Steve's surprise, one of them brought up how Steve had attended his basketball games and even once or twice, stayed late to a game and then accompany him up to camp, arriving late in the evening.  He commented to Steve how that had meant so much to him.  Steve didn't even remember doing it!  They talked about how fun and full those years were and how they were some of the best years of their life.  

 I went to Arizona to  support my Mom as her sweet sister, Katy was passing away.  It was a heart wrenching week as Mom, and Melody and Kelby, David and Debbie and their children, waited and prepared for her passing.  Before I arrived, Aunt Helen and Rebecca were there to say their goodbye's.  But while the time passed slowly as Katy was unconscious and labored in her breathing, the family would sit around her bedside, talking, praying, singing hymns, crying, and yes, at times even laughing as we reminisced about our life with Aunt Katy and Uncle Leon and each other.  Many times someone would talk about the REUNION in heaven that Katy and Leon would have and that Katy would have with her Jesus.  It brought comfort to all of us to visualize that, seeing her, seeing them, young, strong, healthy and in each others arms once again.  There was also a REUNION among ourselves as we have such busy lives and rarely get to see each other.  It was good to be reminded of our love for each other despite the little time that we actually spend together.  

I am so grateful for the UNEXPECTED REUNIONS that God has brought our way as of late.  Some were bittersweet, accompanied by tears while others were filled with laughter. But they were all based in RELATIONSHIP that absence and years could not deplete. Among all the feelings that I have experienced over the last couple of weeks, gratefulness to God for my family and friends is at the top.