Yesterday was one of those days that try men’s souls…or women’s in this case. During the last week, I sprained my ankle…think I already told you that…I got the flu, then a cold, then a sinus infection, then a really bad cold sore, and then yesterday my back “went out”. I have not had a real serious problem with my back since coming here, but I find myself barely able to move and in terrible pain…with no help in sight. Discouraged? No, not in the least! I think that maybe this is all a hidden, VERY HIDDEN, blessing from God!

I have spent more time talking to God, observing the kids, talking to my family and appreciating life in general since this all happened. I could do without the pain, but not without the lesson that God is gracious enough to give me. Sometimes we get so busy with everything we think we have to do, that we don’t really take the time to spend time with God and each other. All these calamities have made me really slow down and smell the roses, so to speak.

God really has been so good to us! Our little ones are all learning to follow God, and are so happy and cheerful most of the time. When I think back on all that we have been through with them, working to get them to the place that they are at, it does not seem quite so bad as I thought while we were going through it. At times I wanted to pull my hair out, or send them back to wherever they came from. Now it is easy to see that not only did God have a plan for them, he also had a plan for me. I have found that I am not nearly as patient of a person as I thought that I was. But God is helping me to overcome my own faults while I am working for his children. That is just how God works…as we give of ourselves to help others, He gives to us, to help us.

Yesterday a Buddhist monk came over to convert us, and try to get us to support him for the rest of his life….interesting story! But, I was struck with how blessed we are by believing in a God who is GOOD and who loves us so much. His god is a horrible monster if you ask me. I would never want to follow a god like that. Without knowing it, he really re-confirmed our belief and trust in God! You never know what interesting events will happen in a day over here.

Another amazing event that happened last week was that our daughter, Nongpoon, decided to come home. She is also Thunduh’s sister. She came to live with us about a year ago, but was talked into leaving by her Buddhist teachers. She was pretty determined to become a Buddhist since all her friends and teachers are. But, Thunduh has been sharing bible studies with her, and at long last, she has returned home. Now we just have to keep praying for Chowin….

God has never failed to work things out for us in His good timing, so I have no doubt that He can heal my back and ankle when he chooses. And, if you find yourself in a similar situation, of pain and misery unending, look for the hidden blessings, and praise God for his goodness!