So, last night elvis came to Thailand. I can't say I was all that impressed. But, it at least made for some good laughs with friends.
The conference is over and people are dispersing for more vacation time (Pattaya is not a recommended vacation spot...just an FYI)and I've decided to take a couple days just to rest by the pool then I'll go up to Bangkok and get a few things done before returning to the States-see the doctor, maybe get my hair done, take advantage of the cheaper conveniences before heading back to America which compared to my standard of living now is quite overwhelmingly expensive!
Let me tell you, I am at PEACE! This week people have poured into me in a way I have not had in a long time. I felt the hand of God...no, the big strong, arm of God reach down and embrace me. Wow. I am in that odd place of transition once again, stepping away from the familiar and moving into the unknown, only armed with the Word of the Lord and a few suitcases that are getting more and more beat up. When I landed in Thailand and had to fill out my disembarkation card I had to fill out my "place of residency." I laughed when I realized at that moment that it was on a plane seat landing in Bangkok. Once again (and always!) I am a citizen of no country. This world has ceased to be my home. America is not home. Afghanistan is not home. My home is yet to come. There is the domestic, girly side of me that hopes to one day settle and put a root or two in...you know, at least have furniture to call my own or something silly like that. But, I am actually so blessed to be so transient. My life is a physical representation (by the hand of God) of being a sojourner. We are all meant to walk this path. And the minute this world becomes home to us, is the moment we take our eyes off of eternity. As many days as I want to abandon my suitcase for a home, I am blessed that God never let me settle until I settle in the "place he has prepared for me." I await the culture of Heaven. I crave the culture of Heaven and will never truly rest until I am there.
I will set my feet on American soil on July 6 once again. So, those of you in California, Minnesota, Ohio and the Chicago area...I will be in your vicinity and would love to see you. I have a full speaking schedule for the summer so I will most likely see many and hopefully meet some new friends.
For those of you of the praying persuasion, please pray for my trip home. I've already had some issues with overweight luggage due to a VERY recent change in airline policies. I have a LONG journey back via Dubai and London before landing in San Francisco. Please also pray for my heart as I feel I am leaving a large chunk of it behind in Asia. Pray for God to fill that with his beauty and intimacy. And pray for my finances as my income is supportive of living in a third-world country, not a first world and all the expense that brings with it.
and by the way, Elvis has DEFINITELY left the building. Let's just let him go!
