Rain

Today was the first rain we've had in what seems like forever. I wouldn't say that I love the rain all the time here in the North West, but today it was refreshing. It's nice to have a nice rain to wash away everything and start fresh. I know that I'll probably be asking myself what I was thinking in a few months, but; Welcome back rain.

looking on the bright side

This summer hasn't been very fun. It just seems like circumstances surrounding Ben and I have just been bringing us down. When we are stressed, unhappy, or anxious; Sammy is too. She can sense our frustrations and moods. When we are dealing with something, she is too, which sometimes makes the situation even worse. Nothing tragic has happened and we are still so blessed, but somehow, we are not behaving like this is true.

It's all about the attitude. Sure, things happen that are a bummer, and unexpected, but we're all healthy, and housed, and fed. Why aren't we happier? Attitude. Taking things as they come and being optimistic has never been a talent of mine. It's hard for me to wait for an answer, or for a situation to resolve itself. I use so much energy on stress, that I don't have anymore left for happiness.

A few weeks ago during Sunday Service at my church, this scripture was shared:

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed everyday. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

How much time have we wasted on worrying and focusing our gaze on the world around us. I want to live day by day and be filled with joy because I know that Jesus is with me always and I can endure all with Him beside me. So I will choose to look on the bright side and fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen.

Home from Cambodia

Ben recently returned from a Medical Mission trip in Cambodia. He along with several others from our church, and a few volunteer doctors and dentists went to five different villages in Cambodia. The people in these villages are very impoverished and have never been treated by medical professionals. Although the team was not able to give any long-term care, they went to serve as much as they could and to spread the word of God. Cambodia is largely Buddhist but there are several Christians as well. Buddhists believe that they become ill because they have angered the spirits. They also believe that even stepping into a Christian church will bring bad fortune to them. Because the team from our church had their medical equipment and make-shift "pharmacy" set up in Church's, they were showing the villagers that God loves them, and that stepping into a church can bring healing and not misfortune.

Ben had a great time, and though I really wish I could have gone, I am so glad that Ben was able to go and have this life-changing experience. We missed him a lot though and we're glad he is home safe. Here is a small sampling of pictures from this amazing trip.


Ben with kids from a school nearby one of the villages they were working in.




Ben with some of the Cambodian translators that volunteered to help.



This little girl was one of Ben's favorites - very sweet and reminded him of how much he missed his own little girl while away.




This little boy is getting some much needed dental work.




The team got pretty tired out each day.




This picture is from the "Killing Fields." In the 70s, genocide in Cambodia. The new leaders wanted to get rid of any educated people....Thousands and thousands of people were murdered and dumped into a field. Ben told me that you could see parts of bones and pieces of clothes sticking out of the dirt in the path. A very sobering experience.




Ben with new friends.




Big Buddah.




It's hard to believe that what's hauling all this stuff is a little moped. (the most common form of transportation there, well, besides walking.)




Yummy exotic fruit.




Ben with more new friends.




Way too many people in one vehicle.




Ben teaching the waiting patients "the blow up a rubber glove trick".




This beautiful little girl has very desirable hair. (the lighter the skin and the hair the more beautiful in Cambodia) It's sad because this girl should have dark black, shiny hair, it is only lightened because she is malnourished.




Common transportation.




More from the "Killing Fields" This is only one of many many cases filled with skulls.




Little boy with a mouth full of candy. Ben's team brought lots of candy and little toys for the village children. They were so grateful for everything.




Mom and baby waiting to see the Doc.




This is the "guest house" that the team slept at each night.



>
Although Cambodia is poverty-stricken. God's beauty continues to shine through in its people and nature.