We have been doing well, busy with many activities and
watching people grow and flourish around us. But a huge struggle has been
watching good friends leave. I am sure you have experienced a friend moving
away and you can relate. However, I feel like it is 10 times harder when living
overseas. Over the 6 years of living in Asia I cannot count how many friends
have moved on. These last 6 months have been the hardest, because they aren't just
friends, they are like family. We lean on each other during the hard times, we
understand each other’s sacrifices, we live life together, and rejoice
together. Even though their move is what is best or even perfect for these
friends, it leaves a missing hole in our hearts. I can say I am ok about it all,
but each goodbye hits harder for our kids and us. Close friends their age that
they never know if they will see them again. That's been hard as a parent to
know how to comfort them. Its almost bitter sweet when friends and family come
to visit, because it’s 2-3 weeks of daily relationship, but then there is the
goodbye that makes us cry harder each time we wave and hug goodbye at the
airport. However, I’d rather go through the goodbye than not see them at all. I
guess the longer you stay long term in a location the more goodbyes you will
face. I truly do dream of eternity and not having to say goodbye again. This
time on earth is short, and I am grateful I can meet and get to know so many, so
deeply during my time here. A close friend here said to me, “The right friends
come at the right time for the right season.” I like this, and yes it’s true.
Well, you might ask, “how long will you live overseas?” Umm honest answer…we don't know, gut
feeling… at least another 10 years, but truth is we are here until our job is
finished.
We have been working hard to see fruit. This last year alone
has been so rewarding. It amazes me as I look back at pictures and see all that
we have been apart of. Things like Starfish, agriculture development, local
activities, and local friendships. Yet, it feels like we have just begun, and
that's so exciting! How much more will we be a part of and what else will
flourish during our time here.
Morgan’s Ag business of working with local farmers has been
a dream come true. There are struggles financially and even let downs with
broken promises. Many of you have been following our updates. Morgan has
learned so much and has been given so much favor through this area of
Agriculture. He is now managing 10 old style green houses along side a local
farmer bringing training and foreign expertise. Government officials come to
see what he is doing and are always impressed with his management. Some have
mentioned how Morgan is a man of integrity and like that he follows through
with what he says he will do. He also has come along side others in starting a
small Indian restaurant. Morgan loves Indian food (some of you may know) but
mostly has encouraged these friends to go after what was just a dream. If you
tell Morgan your goal, be careful because he might just keep you accountable to
it!
This fall Alleyah will start 5th grade and a big
change for her will be attending the International School in town. She will be
in a combined class of 4th and 5th grade of 10
international (foreign) students. She has grown so much in this last season.
Alleyah has reached 2nd grade in her Chinese reading and writing
level. She is very outgoing and is ready for the classroom experience. She
can’t wait to be apart of sport activities and ride the school bus. Noah will
continue home school and even get to have special days on the farm with Morgan.
He has been enjoying his Chinese Art Class. He is a not so focused when it
comes to school, but has a huge imagination on his free time. Levi will start
attending a Chinese English preschool this Fall a few mornings a week. He too
is very outgoing and wants to be just like his older siblings. He is very
comfortable in Chinese and we hope this preschool can help strengthen his
language and be fun. It also frees me up a bit to be apart of some activities
through out the week.
There are other activities I won’t be sharing on such an
open space, but it has been what makes it all worth it. Even when those so
close to us move on, we know that this is where we are to be and serve.
Thank you all for keeping up with us and supporting us
through the years!
