Life Lately #25 : Let's Have Coffee and Chat a While

Hi! 

You know what I would love? To sit down with each of you over a cup of coffee and catch up on life. I'd love to hear about life back home, or life wherever home is for you, and I'd love to tell you about life for Dave and I right now. 

If were having coffee I'd order an iced cold caramel macchiato because it's been way too hot to enjoy a warm cup of java. I'm guessing you would order something warm because according to your Instagram and Facebook updates I'm seeing lots of snow! 

I'd start off by asking how life was going for you? I'd ask how your job is and if you are still enjoying it? Then I'd start asking the real questions - How is family? How is community going for you? 

I'd ask how your walk with God is and how I can pray for you? We'd probably both confess that we are thriving in some areas and struggling in certain areas but are sure that God is gracious and loving because He is, and we see it daily. 

Then we would probably take a break so I could order a few extra pastries because you know, I live in Asia and don't get them frequently. Then we would sit down again. 

First off, I'd warn you that I'm going to talk, a lot, because I feel that so much has happened and I want to share it with you. 

I'd start by telling you that we are enjoying the quietness in Thailand and that the community pool here is really nice. Oh! and there are flowers! Lots of them and I'd tell you that Uncle Charlie picks a flower from his garden for everyone each day. And I can't forget Wishbone - our little dog friend that we pet every time we go on a walk. 

I'd then tell you all about the important stuff! 

I'd tell you that our friends have welcomed us with open arms but more than that we are humbled to see their lives and to see what God is doing. We know that we are just a drop in the bucket compared to the 30 years of life giving service our friends have offered here but we are so thankful to be a drop in that bucket. 

I would tell you that through this house we have met people from The Philippines, Germany, Thailand, Myanmar, America and Pakistan but the common thread between all of us is Jesus and His salvation. I'd share about our Pakistan friends because they have been on my heart. See they are here because they are Christians and had to flee Pakistan for their lives. I'd ask you to pray for them because they are needing resources to renew their visas. You and I would be quiet for a minute and then we would remind each other that persecution is real and that people need our love, support and prayers. 

Of course you would get a run down of the prison visits we have been a part of. I'd start by telling you that the prison last week was 2 1/2 hours away and that the meetings are in large pavilions where there is no air conditioner. You would laugh when you heard about the sweat dripping down my legs due to being hot and nervous. 

I'd share that some of the men had tattoos from their necks to their toes but when you looked in their eyes you could see Christ changed them. 

Then you would hear all about my one on one visit with a man from Sweden who is an atheist. I'd tell you how he was kind but is having a hard time believing there is a God when bad things happen. I'd ask you to pray for him. 

Then I would tell you that we got to go back to the prison we visited in November and many of the same women are there. They are a blessing. We got to share a devotional and visit with them one on one. I would smile as I told you that we spoke Spanish to two women! Who would of thought I'd use my Spanish degree all the way over here in Thailand. And one of my favorite things is giving them a big hug at the end!

Oh and did I mention that 9 people over the last few prison visits have accepted Christ? Nine! Let that sink in. Nine people whom the angels sang about in heaven. Nine people who got their name written in The Book of Life. Nine people who are forever changed because of Jesus. We would both be in awe at the power the cross will forever have. 

Then we would look at our watches and say "How in the world did three hours and nine pastries go so quickly?" 

We'd give each other a big hug, I'd probably grab a to go pastry, and then we'd say goodbye. I'd go back to the blazing heat and you would go back to the pretty snow! And of course we would promise to meet up again soon.

How has life been for you lately, friend? 
Are you enjoying the snow or are you ready for spring?