Am I back?

So, I've done a complete overhaul of this little blog, just like the overhaul that has been done on my life. I don't know if this means I'm once again a "blogger", but I took a look at my old page and became nostalgic, so I thought I'd give it another go...even if "another go" means that I am writing just this once.

Things that begin with L....hmmm? What exactly does that mean? I guess the aspects that have become most important to me at this stage in my life begin with that letter...Love, Languages, Linguistics, just to name a few. I know Duane's name doesn't start with L, but he fits under the category of "Love". I'm sure the intelligent readers out there had already gathered that.

Actually, are there even any readers out there? I suppose I've lost my following. But then again, I'm not doing this for anybody but me...for once in my life.

I guess that about does it. The only other thoughts that I've had for today relate to the anxiety I feel about my linguistics final at 7:00pm, and the joy I feel at seeing little chickadees eating from the feeder I recently put up. Both totally unrelated, and possibly uninteresting.

Vancouver?

So, I decided to break from my own, personal writers strike today and update my dear friends on my goings on.

These last few months have been tumultuous to say the least...that word brings with it both positive and negative connotations. These have been days filled with movement, filled with laughter, and filled with many many tears...but I am finally settled, for the time being.

when I returned to Canada I was hit with an onslaught of things that needed to get done and events that I needed to attend. One of those being my brother's wedding. We shipped off to Ontario and got to see the little guy grow up and get himself a wife. Pretty crazy, but such a wonderful thing for me to be a part of. I was a groomsman. Yup...stood with the dudes.

After about 2 short weeks at home I carted off again and made the long return back to Thailand where my family came to meet for Christmas. This was such a fantastic time of them seeing where I had lived, and me being able to show off some language skills I had picked up. We had so much fun (minus the 2 hours of vomiting on a boat and some guy getting hit by fireworks).

This vagabond doesn't stay in one place for very long, so I visited with a few people in Alberta (not as many as I would have liked) and then made the move to Vancouver...where I presently reside.

I moved here about a week ago, and within 24 hours I found a place to live in a wonderful location and with great roommates. I'm still in the process of looking for a job, but I'm not entirely concerned about it for the time being as I am just allowing myself to get settled and feel comfortable in this new place.

Thanks to those of you who have kept an interest in my whereabouts and my doings...I have hidden myself away for awhile for my own personal health, and may still need a bit of time before I launch myself head long back into this virtual world. Please, continue to write and email. I appreciate every piece of communication I receive. Peace.

Newest News...

Dear friends…I know that it has been awhile since I’ve last written. Sometimes it feels as if nothing has happened, as I have entered the monotony of language acquisition, and sometimes it feels as if so much has gone on in the few short months that have passed.

As you all know, this journey out here has been a difficult one for me. I have felt loneliness like I have never known, and it seems as if anxiety has been a constant companion. But I am now coming to see that this has been a pivotal time in my life. I have learned so much about brokenness, and humility, and about God-confidence rather than self-confidence. I confess that I truly felt like a strong person before I left, and now I am more than aware of my weaknesses. I know in my head that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses, but that has not yet translated to my heart…I am still learning these truths everyday and constantly need to be reminded of who God is and how he sees me. He has been, and will continue to be so gracious to me, and I could not be more thankful for that. Through all of this, I have had to come to make some very difficult decisions.

My health has really suffered, both emotionally and physically from my time here in Thailand and as a result I have decided to come home and seek healing and restoration. God has revealed his grace to me through our leadership here in MBMSI, as they have expressed desire to see me well above anything else. I know that these things don’t always make sense as to why they happen or what the purpose of all of this was, but I do trust that nothing is wasted and that my time spent here (no matter what length of time) will be used in some way. Even though I am coming home it does not mean that I am abandoning my call to missions. I am not sure what it’s going to look like, but I do know I will be involved in some way in the future. My heart for the Thai people has not diminished and I plan to continue being involved in the Thai communities here in Canada.

I have been incredibly blessed by all of you as you have walked with me in this journey through prayer, through care packages, through emails, photos and letters. I cannot even begin to put into words how you’ve helped me through these difficult times. Your words of encouragement, the letters and painted banners from churches, the constant reminder of prayers on my behalf have meant so much to me and I am incredibly grateful. There have seriously been times where I have been absolutely amazed by your kindnesses to me, and your interest in my life. I understand the investment each of you has made in being in relationship with me and I regret, and am truly sorry for being unable to carry out my commitment. I have been processing through this decision with my team, and with the leadership of MBMSI, and there are changes taking place, but they are mobilizing people to take my place and work with the Khmu people in northern Thailand. And so, I have officially returned to Canada. I spent a week in Abbotsford with MBMSI leadership and debriefed with them and processed my homecoming. All of this happened really quickly during the conference in Phuket, so I apologize for not filling you all in sooner but I just had enough time to pack my bags and tie up any loose ends. I am currently spending a week in Vancouver with friends and will be returning to Alberta mid November.

I would like to invite you guys to continue to walk with me in prayer as I make this transition. I don't desire that your involvement in my life comes to an end just because I have returned home. Your prayers have really been a sustaining factor for me in these last six months, and will continue to be cherished in this new chapter of my life. Thanks again for everything. I know that this may come as a shock to many of you, and for that I am sorry, but I want you to know that I have truly appreciated your friendship, your encouragement, and your untiring love toward me. God bless.

Phuket Town

Sorry for the silence on the blog front recently...on Friday, Oct.12 our team headed for Phuket, in south Thailand to join the rest of our Asian missionaries for a conference. This has been an incredible experience thus far...one of healing, restoration, and beauty. We are staying in this beautiful resort close to the ocean and have had some amazing times of worship together, and hearing about what God is doing in this part of the world.

I will be staying here until Oct.22nd, so I likely won't be able to update my blog until I return to Lop Buri.

Please continue to pray for us as the enemy wants to discourage us.

Thai Scribblings

Now that I've got the camera back, I figured I might as well put it to good use...I am super grateful to have it within my possession once again. This is me, beginning to learn how to write Thai. Seriously...so hard.