taste and see

"Taste and see that the Lord is good, 

Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

Psalm 34:8

There are so many ways that the Lord has allowed me to taste His goodness in the past 5 days. 

HOL camp 2012

Monday afternoon, I walked around the property where we chose to have HOL camp this year and was met with screams and hugs and 75 versions of "I missed you, I love you's" in broken English. I scanned faces for changes, listened to conversations for English improvements, asked questions that I've been praying over for the past year. Taste and see that I am good.

Tuesday night, I sat around a table filled with dark hair and brown-eyed faces, watching them clink their chopsticks together.. eating bamboo, pork, tofu, and morning glory. Every now and then, a random piece of food I didn't choose for myself would find its way into my bowl, and I would smile. Someone at the table was choosing to care for me. Taste and see that I am good.

Thursday night, I sat with a sweet friend and listened as she shared with me a deep disappointment in her life. As tears rolled down her cheeks, I prayed over her to our God that does not condemn, but guides us. Later that night, that same friend layed in my twin bed and whispered to me her dreams for the future- to serve children in Africa. Taste and see that I am good.

All week I got to laugh, sing, and be (literally) drug around camp by the little girl I sponsor. So many moments of joy as our hearts connected, and as she pointed to me and whispered "family."
Taste and see that I am good.

Camp is fun every year- always full of laughter, so many hugs, so many memories. For me, the best part is that there are relationships even through language barriers and cultural differences. I love the way the Lord has allowed me to be a small part in the stories behind these faces, to pray over them, and to know them. I see how God is moving in their lives- healing, redeeming, restoring- I see beauty from ashes. I see a beautiful picture of the gospel.


Only 6 more days here in Southeast Asia- Caitlyn & I will spend it doing evaluations on 3 of the homes in 2 different cities. We will be busy, but we want to finish well. Thanks for praying with and encouraging us!