Catching Up

Wait for me!!!! I can't run quite that fast!

The last three weeks have been a whirlwind. I feel like I'm grasping the reins tightly, trying desperately to stay on a galloping horse. God is so amazing you guys, and I am so excited to share what He's been doing the last few weeks. I apologize dearly for making you wait.... but then, that just adds to the suspense. :)

On Monday, July 22nd, my fellow team mates and I boarded the train for Taipei. HTC had been kind enough to ship our luggage ahead of us, so we didn't have to juggle 4 bags at once. The train took several hours, arriving in Taipei around dinner time. We took our bags to the spare bedroom at IBLP HQ Taiwan, and then set off for dinner. It didn't take long to decide on Mexican tacos. (Taipei is about the only place you can find Mexican food in Taiwan.)

That evening, I wasn't feeling well, and got to watch the sun set on the horizon, and then watch the stars come out one by one. It was beautiful! As I stood there, quoting Scripture to myself, the Lord began to speak to my heart and encourage me. He showed me a bigger picture than me (which is ALWAYS humbling), overwhelming me in the greatness of God. How He could use me in anyway, as unequipped an unable as I was, amazes me! I am the least of His servants. I didn't even want to go to Taiwan. I STRUGGLED THE WHOLE YEAR! Yet, He showed Himself strong in spite of me, and revealed Himself to the Chinese through my weakness. What an awe-inspiring, humbling, and holy meeting we had that night.

I was too excited to sleep, and at 4:30 in the morning, I bounded out of bed. I figured, since I was awake already, I might as well go enjoy the sunrise. -And it was beautiful. A lovely going away gift from God just for me. Thank you Lord!

Shortly thereafter, we headed down the elevator, with our tons of luggage, and jumped in a taxi to the airport. A 23 hour trip awaited, with little sleep. Yikes! No, I don't sleep well on planes; and on this particular trip, I was very sick. Not a nice way to travel at all. However, God took care of me. By the time I arrived in Chicago, I felt fine. -Must have been last minute jitters.

Friends of mine from IBLP HQ USA picked me and my bedraggled luggage up from the airport. (All three of my brand new suitcases had broken.) We talked about life at HQ, and my experiences in Taiwan, and then they dropped me off at the house I would be staying in for  a few days.

While at HQ, I tried to keep a low profile, going to staff meetings, but spending a LOT of time with the Lord and catching up on my sleep. I felt like I had been spiritually starved in Taiwan, and the messages I heard at HQ were like healing shots of vitamins and minerals to my soul.

The following Tuesday, (6 days after arrival in the US), I jumped in a van to go to a family encouragement conference. The deal was, I would go and help with a program for young ladies, and anywhere else they needed, and then my aunt who was also attending, would give me a ride up to MN.

It was VERY encouraging! I enjoyed helping at the registration table, and serving the young girls at the conference. The messages were so refreshing and revitalizing, and it was SO nice to hear everything in ENGLISH!  My team of young ladies was amazing, and I was blessed by their hearts to learn and seek the Lord. In one of the afternoon sessions, I found myself sitting behind a couple of girls that had been on my team for a children's program in Texas six years ago. Such a small world!

I also played in the student orchestra, which turned out to be more like an ensemble, and visited with various friends. I had gone to this conference last year, and really appreciated being able to attend with my cousins this year.

Then my aunt and her family gave me a ride back to Minnesota. I "paid them back" by helping with their church's VBS program that week. I taught a class of 8 Kindergartners, missions, beading, and photography. It was a VERY busy week, to say the least. It was amazing to see God work in hearts, my own included. By Wednesday, I felt I couldn't go on. I had contracted a cold, and the long days were just too much; but God faithfully gave me strength to finish as I leaned on Him.

Of course, you can imagine my excitement on Saturday to go home. It had been 12 months exactly since I had been home. Would you believe, my house is almost like a metropolis with all the black gold traffic. The train was packed (but quiet, praise the Lord!), and behind schedule. I had been warned it could run up to 5 hours late, so I was grateful to arrive in North Dakota just 2 hours late.

(-I know, you're thinking, NORTH DAKOTA???? I thought you lived in Montana...

I do, but the closest train station is in North Dakota, two hours from home.)

Since my parents were still at church, a friend picked me up and took me to lunch until they were free to come get me. It's been so long since I've smelled the freshness of country air- the rain, the dirt road, the pungent flowers, and the fields of wheat. Not to mention the silence... and my dog. My dog didn't know what to do when I got home, he was so excited. Ah! It is so good to be home!

And so, I finally made it HOME, on Sunday evening. It's been a long trip, with exciting steps along the way, many struggles, but one big adventure in God's hands.


PS: More pictures to come as I edit them...