I have met 2 woman on separate occasions that are from New Zealand. As most of you know I really really really want to go there some day. Right before I decided on this trip to the Mercy Ship, I was looking into a month long habitat for humanity trip there. But it was really expensive and didn't leave much time to travel. Some years ago I applied for a travel nurse position there but found out it was a minimum requirement of a year and at the time I felt that was too long. Now I'm realizing it was probably the right amount of time. One of the nurses went there on vacation for 6 weeks and stayed for 4 years! Anyways, the two Kiwi's I met said you need a minimum of 6 weeks to visit there if you want to see everything. I was always told in the US that 2 weeks would be good--a week for each island. I think americans look at vacation in terms of a week or two and the rest of the world think nothing of taking month long "holidays". I'm beginning to realize life is really short. There is so much I want to do. I will make it to New Zealand some day--I feel almost called to go there, not necessarily for mission type work, but to enjoy it's beauty and recreation.
Tuesday mornings at 7:45 are the mandatory crew meetings where they update everyone on happenings on the ship, safety issues, and announce arrivals and departures of crew. We had a speaker today. It was Glenn Murray. I think I mentioned him before. He travels around the world sharing his faith. He is not a pastor but he has met with monks and Buddhist priests, etc. He goes to Korea at least twice a year, etc, etc. Anyway, he talked about how Christians tend to think people are either nonbelievers or believers. I am going to paraphrase him so I'm not sure if I will get his concept quite right. He says for some people believing in Jesus takes a lot of time. When Peter was out on the water in his fishing boat, he came in near to the shore to hear this Jesus speak, and heal people. He didn't come thinking here is the Christ the one who God sent to die on the cross for my sins so that I could have eternal life in heaven. He came thinking, let me check this Jesus guy out and see what He is up to. (Now I don't know if we should be speaking for Peter and what he was thinking but you get the point). It was an interesting concept. We need to be open about our faith and be available for God to use us, but we need to let the Holy Spirit do His job in the persons heart we are trying to reach.
3 comments:
Lynnel,
Wait until you get home and see our garden now. Your brother has found a new favorite toy – the rotor tiller. We will be able to feed the neighbor hood. We have approximately 33 tomato plants, 8 sweet potato, 8 eggplant, 8 zucchini, 4 yellow squash, 4 spaghetti squash, 12 onions, 28 various pepper, 8 cucumber, 4 brussel sprouts, 8 broccoli, and various seeds that still need to be planted. Tell Wayne to get the kids ready, we’ll need harvesters in a couple months!
On another subject, Stephanie and Dan went on their inaugural camping trip Memorial Day weekend with John and friends. I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it and the memories will come flooding back to you. Yes, Don, Chris, and Mike Mulcahey were there. She has pictures which I’m sure John is thrilled she is sharing.
We pray for you everyday. I can only imagine the emotional rollercoaster you’re on right now – making new friends, healing and caring for the sick, learning new cultures, building people’s future, and watching some pass. What an inspiration you are to all of us. We love you! See you soon.
Dorothy
Hi Lynnel!
I am really enjoying reading your blog. I am sure all you are experiencing is above and beyond what you had expected!
I had been involved with several Liberian families here in Newark. Two of them had shared about what they went through during the civil war. One lady lost one of her twin daughters when she was running and is not even sure if the girl is still alive. That had to have been about 14 years ago. The other twin entered our school in 3rd grade. The other family had been separated for many years and then through DNA they traced the kids and they came over to the USA and also started in our school. That mom had seen her husband killed in front of her and her baby cut out of her womb. What a blessing that you are there with a whole team of people bringing healing and hope in the name of Jesus.
Isn't it enriching to see how people from a totally different culture worship the Lord? I found that a "stretching" experience when I lived with the Warlpiri people.
I'm praying for you to grow in every way the Lord desires for you as well as for great opportunities to keep ministering His love. It's a joy to see how you are serving Him and having fun at the same time!!!
With love,
Aunt Lois
hey how u doin.Im not sure steff told u but i won ,im the match play champion i sure wish u were here to celebrate with me but i know u are needed overder (that was my accent ha ha)i will tell u all about it im sure u cant wait.me and my mom dont know how to reply to your e-mail u sent her so im responding this way.I think u are forgetting a week its been three not two .Well got to get the kids to bed cant wait for u to call hope its soon MISS U!!wayno
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