So Long, So Short

Star Wars opens with the scrolling words, "Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." That's what looking at this photo feels like. Yet it was only taken in February of this year at our home. The cold, snow, and home seem so long ago. We have been here just over 1 month. Yet, it seems as if we have been here for so long.

As I have thought about what that will mean for our outreach to the Philippines, I grow even more excited. All of our past outreaches have been for just 1 week. In 1 week you are just learning your way around: language, culture, directions, names, everything. We will have 2 months to really learn about the people in the Philippines.

In our training prior to coming to YWAM, the way I was taught to enter a new culture was first as a learner, then a servant, and at some point a story-teller. The emphasis was on getting to know the people and the culture. One week never really gave me the time to develop the relationships - I guess you could say I am a slow learner.

I am enjoying the lifestyle and friendships we are developing here. It has been a breath of fresh air in so many ways. (Except when the septic line sprung a leak yesterday.) I am eager to see what God has in store during the next month and a half in Salem. But even more so what He will do on the Philippine island of Luzon. Did you know that the Philippines is the 12th most populated country in the world?

By the way, our friend Cynthia who was hospitalized over the weekend, has made it back to class. She is still not at 100% and is receiving ongoing medical care, but she is back with us. She came back Monday night.

I am still waiting for a really good email from the Cornerstone Mission Team. But if you take a look at the comments for the past few entries, you will see that their sense of humor remains intact, even if it is at the expense of their former leader.

Grace,

Tom