Refreshing reminder...

We are truly grateful for all the people we are living with and are around here. It's been a growing experience for Sarah and I. The other night we went with one of the seminary interns to ride across town. Her name is Khemtida, she is from Thailand. As we drove across town I was reminded of the simplicity but complexity of our Faith. Khemtida came to the U.S 14 years ago to study abroad. She grew up Buddhist, and was very connected with her family. While in the U.S she began taking English as a Second Language(ESL)classes. She told us that she began to see Jesus in her teacher and ended up becoming a Christian through that experience. She began her journey following Jesus... "the One true God" she said. Within the hour that we spent with her I was encouraged so deeply. There was a simple and genuine sincerity that was seen deep within her heart. She began to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and at that time... her family disowned her, they refused to talk with her, and for years they didn't talk. Now she is almost finished with her Masters of Divinity so they are impressed with almost 10 years of education so they have started communicating a little more. I am telling you this story to express how sometimes in the U.S we forget that people really do get disowned because of the Gospel. People really do suffer because of the name of Jesus and this suffering produces such an intimacy that nothing can break it. Khemtida is a deep well of spiritual intimacy with Jesus, and it's a breath of fresh air here in the U.S because not many people have truly experience persecution in the name of Jesus. Remember today that many people are killed every day because of the name of Jesus. Children, mothers, fathers... they give their very life because they know the Truth and the Truth has set them free. Take a few minutes and pray for those suffering for Jesus' sake, and also pray that we could find it somewhere in our heart to desire the privilege of suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ our King. I love you all! Eric

Our explorations of the city...

We have been trying to spend time around the center and build relationships with the families here. The little boy who stays here absolutely loves Eric. He calls him "Boy." So whenever I walk into a room he will point and say "Boy" because he knows that Eric is more than likely right behind me. Eric loves playing around with him (most of the time Aan'jay rides on his back or they fight like dinosaurs...it is very entertaining)In addition to hanging at the house we have been exploring the city. I thought some of you might like to hear about the fun things we have done. Two weeks ago Kay (who is the director of the center) took out us out for a New Orleans style night. We went to eat at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro and then we took a walk through Jackson Square and went to listen to some amazing jazz musicians at a place called Preservation Hall. This venue still looks like it is set back when Jazz first began in the city and the musicians are incredible. It was fun to think about the history of this place and the beauty that comes from human creativity. Whenever I hear music, or see paintings, or watch one of the street performers posing on the street corner it becomes clear to me that we were made for worship; created to create beautiful expressions of what God has placed inside us. This city is truly the most diverse place I have ever been: no two people look alike and there is always something new and exciting to see. Another trip we took was to the swamp on the east bank. The day started out beautiful and sunny, but as usual the skies turned dark and the rain began as we were halfway down the trail. At first I was a little nervous but it felt great to be outside! I realize how much I love the mountains and rivers of North Georgia when we are here in the city. The trail leads you about a mile into the swamp along a small wooden walkway (no fences, no protection, just the walkway)where you can observe all sorts of creatures. There were giant spiderwebs in all the trees filled with creepy spiders and we even saw a snake crawling along the trail. We had hoped to see some alligators but once we saw what the trail was like many of us decided it would be ok if we didn't. However, I soon spotted the first alligator peering up through the water. It was a little scary but also really cool. Then we walked down to the end of the trail and there was a bridge where you could see for miles. It was truly beautiful. We were all soaking wet on the ride home but it was a great trip. Every day Eric and I try to get out into the neighborhood and meet people. It is fun to look at all the colorful houses and the interesting people. We have made friends with some kids down the street who we spend our afternoons with playing football, basketball, or frisbee and they are looking forward to recording some of their original rap songs with Eric. People here are not quite as friendly as they are back in Habersham but if you start with a smile it is not long before they are sharing their story. The people here love their city and they want to see it rebuilt and restored. Last night we went downtown and ate with another mission group that is here from Arkansas. Then all of us went up on the Riverwalk and watched fireworks across the river. We are enjoying our time here and we are trying to make the most of all our opportunities. Please continue to pray for us and for the people we meet. Peace. Sarah

Pictures!!!

This is Eric and his little buddy Aan'jay This is me trying to make friends... This is us on the little wooden boardwalk in the swamp He was pretty close...yikes! The swamp spiders were super creepy (I made Eric pose to show you)

The truth always moves me...

I am amazed more and more each day by the way that God has loved us and given us the privilege of sharing His good news with all that we meet. Each time I hear the story of how He loved us unto His own death I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Each week for Up2Hope we have a theme and this week's theme is eternal life. Each day we will be talking about the different aspects of what it means to have peace, especially in our relationship with God and others. I had my lesson all planned out for today and then this morning during breakfast the girls started asking some weird questions. As I listened to their questions the Spirit spoke to me reminding me that many of these precious girls may never have been told about the love that Jesus has for them. Maybe they've heard about the way he died on the cross, but do they know that He rose again and now lives to give us life? Do they know that He desires to be with us at all times and to be all that we need? Do they know that He wants to give them hope beyond their circumstances and use them to change their home, their neighborhood, and the world? I know this is starting to sound a little idealistic, or maybe I am sounding like one of those street corner evangleist, but it is true. It really is TRUE! Jesus, God himself, put on flesh, and came down to earth to be born lowly and humble. He grew up and showed us the Kingdom here on earth. He loved with all His heart and felt deeper compassion than we can fathom. He loved with all His heart and in return He was killed, but He did not resist He walked the long road of suffering because at the end He saw that His dream of being with us one day would become reality. He died because He loved us and desired that we could truly live. As I shared the gospel with the girls I began weeping trying to explain that what I was telling them would change their lives. I wept becaus He has changed my life. I pray that He has changed your life and that because of His love you live different. How could we not live different? How could we just keep living the same old way, doing the same old things when we have found this kind of love. We cannot stay the same, dear family, we must begin living as new people.

A genuinely good day...

Today has been a wonderful day for us here at the friendship house. Ever since we arrived Eric and I have been trying to adjust to the reality of life here among our new community. Things were not at all what we expected but God has called us here for this season and we know He will be faithful to change us and use us if we are willing to listen and obey. He delights in our willingness to follow Him wherever He leads. After talking with some friends about some of the questions rolling around in our heads we have come to the realization that Jesus has always, and will forever work all things for our good. He is never ever safe, but is indeed always good. Today was a fun day with the girls of Up2Hope, filled with crafts, laughter, games, Egyptian food, dress-up, and dancing. Something about being free to be silly refreshes your soul. Honest, if any of you haven't had a good dance around the room or a silly burst of laughter you should immediately stop reading and enjoy. We are called to enter the Kingdom as children, free from the cares of the world and willing to sing and dance no matter who is around. After camp Eric and I took a ride over to the park where we met eight new friends. We tossed the frisbee, spun in circles, rode around the sidewalks, and enjoyed a cold glass of water. They shared their afternoon with us and as they walked down the street I was overcome with thankfulness. I am thankful to be alive and to know real love. Love that enables me to care for people whom I have never met. Love that allows me to love people simply because they have been created for love. I realize more each day that I have freely been given all that I have and I never want to withhold one bit of what I've received from another. I want to pour out love and grace, mercy and kindness, forgiveness and joy into the lives of others the way it has been poured over me. God's love is like a rushing waterfall of all things beautiful, covering over all the darkness that used to be. I am so thankful to be a child of God and to have the privilege of sharing His good news with the poor and needy. It is indeed good news that the God who made us has made a way to bring us back to Himself and give us abundant life we never dreamed of. This news should change our lives forever. I am so excited about what the rest of the summer will hold for us. I thank God for all that He has done for us. Peace. Sarah Here's a short video we made for all of you who want a glimpse of everyday life...