Daddyless daughters . . .

Last week I watched a show on OWN.  Though some may not be fans of the channel or its 'matron', I find things I watch on it are often insightful.  Yes, secular, but then I can sift through that and use that which is helpful or informative, and disregard that which is not.  I often view it as a glimpse into today's American culture.  I enjoy the study of culture.

The program includes those of us who grew up with the physical presence of our 'daddy' but missed out on any sort of emotional involvement from him.  I have long believed that my uncomfortable relationship with my father on several levels inflicted scars.  I have dealt with many of the painful things, and would have said that I was at the bottom of my grievances against dad.  I have prayed recently with a friend about some painful memories that have surfaced from childhood.  Even before this program, three memories from growing up had surfaced, and when I faced them with this friend on Tues, I thought, "No wonder I have sometimes described my dad as mean."  In praying through these memories, my friend asked, "Are you angry/bitter with God?"  I was surprised, and replied that I wasn't, but then could see that I was!  How wonderful to be able to come to Him and seek forgiveness, to give Him the pain and ask for healing.

This week has been a red letter one for me in that I received copies of my sister in law's autobiography.  Hanna has been working on this for four years.  She is a Holocaust survivor.  It's all so amazing.  I am riveted as I read!  How can mankind do such things to mankind!!!???  A GARLAND FOR ASHES by Hanna Zack Miley.  I invite you to read it.  I've only finished four chapters so far, but . . . "Thank you, Lord, for saving Hanna's life, and for bringing her to know you as her Messiah.  Thank you for helping her face the past and forgive!  Thank you for the ways that you have used her in my life since 1967 when first we met here in Richmond.  At that time I never dreamed that she would marry my brother!"

One of the main roles of a Daddy according to the program is to protect a daughter, to show her what love without sex looks like . . . wow . . . I grew up without that, BUT my Heavenly Father has loved me from eternity.  He allowed His son to suffer and die for my sins, He has protected me over many years of traveling cross culturally and doing many things that some might consider 'dangerous'.  He has loved me unconditionally, and even stooped to use me for His glory.  Hallelujah, what a savior!!!

I'm returning to Europe!!!

From 1982 - 1988, I spent every summer, all summer in Europe.  I was working, at the time, out of the OM USA office, and my responsibilities with Americans joining OM for the summer, the one year program, or the two year program is what had me on that side of the pond.  I spent most of the time in Belgium and at conferences.  It was a rich time in my ministry history.

In Jan 2012 and Jan 2013, a team from the Ukraine has come to Kolkata.  I have loved getting to know them a little bit, and to make a very long story short, I am going to visit them from Aug 9 - 24th!!!  It has been a decade since I set my feet on European soil.  I am really looking forward to this!

It is going to be a very different kind of experience for me.  Firstly, I am only going for two weeks.  That seems like a short time to me.  The first time the team came to Kolkata, they came for three weeks.  They bonded with us, and we with them.  The second time they came for just two weeks.  They all decided that it wasn't long enough!  Maybe since I already know the people that I'll be spending the bulk of my time with, it won't be frustrating.  They are also returning to Kolkata in Jan 2014, and in my heart I am planning to do the same . . . no details worked out yet!

My flight is booked into Kiev.  On Aug 9th, after an overnight flight from Richmond to JFK and Amsterdam Alla will come to meet me.  Alla heads up Kompas Park camps in Kreshchatyk.  Children from Ukraine, Russia and Latvia attend these camps.  I am not sure how I will fit in at this point, but since English is my mother tongue and many people around the world want to learn to speak that language, I expect that will be a big part of it.  Many who have come to Kolkata help with the camp, they share their faith which I will also be able to do.  I want also to be an encouragement to them as it is at the end of camp season and I am sure they will be tired!

Roman and Irene got engaged the night before they were leaving Kolkata.  Their wedding is Aug 18th and I look forward to celebrating that with them!

The second week I will be with Katya and her family in Cherkassy.  Katya and her husband run the Cherkassy Centre for Biblical Studies and church planting.  They, too, will also be coming off a busy ministry schedule.  One of the things that Katya has asked is for me to meet with the team that is preparing to go to Kolkata in 2014 so that we can discuss how best they might be used.

I've never spent much time in Eastern Europe.  I always enjoy getting to know friends better by seeing their situations and learning more of their story.  I value your prayers for this trip.

On the way back to the US, I will break my flight in Amsterdam and fly to London Gatwich from Aug 24 - Sept 3.  I am very much looking forward to reconnecting with a number of friends that I was with in my OM days and I also hope to meet some former Woodstock School students who live in London.  Again, I would appreciate prayer that this would all come together.  It will involve a fair amount of train travel in and around the London area, with a couple of trips further afield.  Please, Lord, bring this all together and use it for your glory.

I return to the US on Sept 4th.

A long overdue update!

Am taking to my keyboard after a very long time!  The frustrations with my computer abound these days.  I am hoping that I can get this posted successfully.  I have been thinking from time to time that I should post since my arrival back in the US on Mar 20, 2013.  After reading my last post, I am more firmly resolved to do so!

I DID get the residents of Anandoloy and Pauline Bhavan their Bibles at the 11th hour!  At 7 p.m. the night before my departure from Kolkata, the young man from OM Books arrived with the English Bibles!!!  They were refusing to unload the truck because of a religious festival, but the schools and shops were open.  I told the young man that he just HAD to get the Bibles for me.  The residents of both projects were thrilled.  The Bengali Bibles were delivered the next day, and Premila personally delivered them for me!

My week in Mumbai was stressful, but the highlight was meeting with Andi and Sheba who work among HIV/AIDS patents.  I have known Andi since he was a toddler.  What a blessing!

The first night at the Mumbai airport, I didn't get on the flight.  The Lord really watched over me, got me a room where I could not only sleep, but the next morning I also got all that I needed!  Those things included a cyber cafe, an ATM, and a place to add minutes to my phone.  The 'strangers' at the hotel could not have been more helpful!  I got on the plane the second night, and though I didn't get Business Class, I was able to sit in Economy Comfort!  Those four inches do make a big difference.

Adjusting back has its challenges.  Life is challenging, though, isn't it!?