Pure Joy in Fiji :)

December 6, 2009

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Dear friends,

         This has been a week of maturing for us!  Trials from ringworm, to ear infections, fevers to stomach pains, sore throats to homesickness. Tense relationships and misunderstandings, tears and desperate prayers have been our life this week.  Yet, we praise Him!!

         Pounding rains like a freight train coming announce that the rainy season is here.  It rains frequently, on and off, every day.  Pesky mosquitos are unrelenting. Sweaty chins and feet that won’t hold bandaids can be difficult to keep clean.  Reality is here.  We are not on vacation, anymore!  Yet, we praise Him!!

         Graduation week for Fijian schools brought invitations for us to sit for 4 hours at a time, to celebrations held mostly in Fijian.  We were welcomed warmly as honored guests, which required us to stay for the Fijian meals served afterwards.  The children well enough to attend the big day became sick just looking at the plates heaped high strange foods.  Yet, they survived…and we praise with Him!!

         News of loved one’s trials in the states bring feelings of deep sorrow and helplessness.  Injured colts with fever, strained shoulders, and infected hangnails have required more time and effort than we wanted to give.  We are forced to ask why we came here in the first place.  Yet, we praise Him!!

         Then we remember.  God sent us. Just like he sent Jesus to leave his home in heaven, he sent us to leave our comfortable homes to suffer.  Suffering builds character, and perseverance.  Perseverance will find its work complete, as we become more like Jesus, and live to be his hands and feet, here on earth. We will praise Him for the trials, and praise him for the good times.  Of which, there are still many. 

         Like the moments when we sit at the outdoor cafeteria as a family and feel the cool breeze coming off the bay.  Looking out at the beautiful views all around, of palm trees, and majestic volcanoes in the misty haze.  A feast for the eyes surrounds us. For this, we praise Him.

         Like the beautiful children doing their traditional meke dances, and singing like angels.  Or the villagers bringing us constant gifts for papaya, pineapple, and bananas!  I must not forget the wonderful American treats and thoughtful items we have received from friends in America! For this, we praise Him.

         Or even better, when we arrived at the nearby Vunikera village, and the people had decorated a beautiful shelter and are all seated on mats waiting for our arrival.  They wrapped beautiful floral wreaths around our necks, and welcomed us with smiles that would melt your heart. As we set up the sound system for the girls to perform a short worship concert, my heart swelled.  Just a couple years ago, we would not have been welcomed in that village.  The work of the previous missionaries opened this door for us.  Our girls, along with the Thompsons, were able to share the love of God openly in word and song, and I stood in awe. For this, we praise Him.

         For opportunities to help people in large in small ways, we are grateful.  From putting a bandaid on an ‘owee’ with love, to driving a boy on a motorcycle in the rain to get medicine for his sick sister, who was in terrible pain, we praise Him!

         Life here consists of a constant flow of activity and emotion.  For all of it, we praise Him.  Take life’s ups and downs and turn them over to God.  Praise Him!  For the good and the bad, Praise Him.  As Creator of the universe, He is worthy. 

         Cheering You on For the Journey!

                  Sara