Random Last Post

It's coming to the close of my time here, and I am wondering how I'm ever going to survive saying goodbye to everyone tomorrow night.

My time here has been a huge blessing. I've been able to spend some much needed quality time w/ God... ive had the best time getting to know these kids and playing with them - they've taught me a lot. i've learned some new survival skills... almost ready for reality TV...Rule #1: when in doubt, eat a clove of garlic. it's the best medication around.
I've even learned how to surf a little better... i've also learned not to get too proud about that --- after a friend helped me out a little, i went out by myself the next day, and no sooner did i catch a wave and the thought, "Melody, you've totally got this!!" cross my mind, then did my forehead get plummeted to the ocean floor. To top it off, in a panic i hit my head on the board when i came to the surface.. ya. so, that whole "pride cometh before the fall thing"... Apparantly He wasnt kidding. :)
I've learned a lot more about life in 3rd world countries - or at least the Balinese.... As a whole, the people are more generous. More thoughtful. More willing to serve... w/ a smile on their face. i.e., there are 5 staff girls that work at the orphange... between 18-32. They've committed two years of their lives to living at the orphange and serving the kids. They wake up at 5, go to the market, cook, clean, take care of the children, help them with school, and even go out of their way to make sure that the other guests (myself included) feel at home. Every day they prepare at least 100 meals (more if there are guests) from SCRATCH. They're not paid. They barely brought anything with them. The idea that americans put happiness in material things would be a completely foreign concept to them. A few times a month, on the weekend, everyone goes on a big day trip... The kids LOVE IT!! Even if it's just to a different beach.. or the park.... somewhere simple or not.. Some of my favorite times with the children have been on such trips. And the work that goes into these trips is unbelievable! Yet, these ladies never complain and are thrilled to do it all over again the next week. One day, they will make the world's best moms.

A girl from YWAM and i were talking about how different it is ministering to people in 3rd world countries than it is in the West. The most incredible difference, i think, is that you dont have to convince people in 3rd world countries that there's a spiritual realm. They are WELL aware. Almost all of them have been exposed to it their whole lives. For generations they've lived in bondage to these false religions that invite evil into their homes, their families, and their country. The difficulty in evangelising resides in convincing them there is a good side to this spiritual world. A side that is FOR them, not against them. A beautiful religion that is based on Grace, and redemption, and love and freedom... where faith in action is not to be discounted, however, works are not necessary. They live in fear of the gods. Almost every religious tradition they practice is in fear of being cursed. the book of James would rock their world. The idea of free grace is often the hardest thing for these people to put their heads around. But they're hearts are beautiful. It is my prayer that these children at the orphanage can continue to grow, and learn, and one day be apart of transforming this country.

The last month has been stretching, inspiring, and amazing.

I am excited to be home and see everyone, but i know it will be so strange when i step off that airplane at LAX and realize these kids are SO FAR away from me. I dont know if or when i'll ever return, but i hope that God provides a way.

I will miss a lot things and people. I'll miss Hendris smile... not only is it larger than life but he's missing his two front teeth. it's great. I'll miss him singing from his heart... loud and off key. I'll miss little tiny Chile running up and wrapping his arms around my leg. I'll miss totally relating to him in the morning when he's the last one out of bed and really grumpy. ha. I'll miss Wenty's big brown eyes and how she always wants to hold my hand when we're playing in the ocean. I'll miss Linda's lazy eye and her total abandonment of social norms. She's great. Man, I could go on forever... Theyve all left thousands of beautiful footprints on my heart.

The fact that each of these children have come from such brokenness is truly a testimony to the miraculous powers of restoration that the God we serve is capable of... some of them have been left on the street - completely abandoned by their parents, others abused, one has escaped from a mom who tried to kill him, some raped, others have witnessed their parents murdered.... the list goes on and on.... and the most incredible thing is to see the redemption this ministry has provided for each of them. The joy on their faces is real. They're hearts are transparent. It is mind blowing to see how God has pulled them out of the darkness and made known to them his overwhelming love for them. They know it. They dont doubt it. We could all learn a great deal from watching them. I'm humbled daily.

yes, i really hope to return.

With all of that said, I will be arriving home on Saturday morning at 11:15am. My internal clock will be telling me it's 2:15am on Sunday, so it should be heaps of fun for the first week or so. Nothing like a 15 hour time difference. For those of you throwing my surprise welcome home party, dont forget flowers, jewelry, candy, really expensive gifts... you know the drill. hahaha. jk. but i really cant wait to see everyone. Let's get some quality time in before my fall semester resumes - ive got about 3 weeks.

Thanks for reading these things. I know they can be lame and impersonal, but if nothing else, it keeps me somewhat accountable to keeping some journal entries. :) Thank you even more for your prayers. They have carried me this past month in more ways than i could begin to type out.

My Love to all of you,
mel