2/23/11
Meet the Ala family!!
[Rommel & Janene, Colleen (16), Stephanie (14), Jefferson (12), and Nicole (10)]
Our time here in Thailand is coming to a close. I can’t
believe another month has come and gone. It feels like just yesterday we were
in Bangkok with the whole squad-and now we are about to be reunited once again
for Debrief in Hua Hin before going to Malaysia. Tonight as we ate dinner with
the incredible, loving Ala family and spent the evening with them-as we do
every night-I began to get emotional. We usually watch a movie, sing worship
songs, pray, etc. after dinner until the kids’ bedtime. But for some reason
tonight was different.
We finished our delicious dinner of fish n chips (French
fries) and sat together in the living room-one big family-and watched a DVD of
the Gaithers performing hymns all over the world. When that was over, Janene
and Rommel each shared some things that had been on their hearts lately. Janene
talked about how she wakes up every morning thinking “Today is the day!” (that
they will find their new property) and at the end of each day there is a little
bit more added disappointment and discouragement. But she said she just keeps
hearing God saying, “Wait on the Lord.” God is going to give them the perfect
land in the perfect place at the perfect time. He is so good and so faithful.
Even what looks good to us now will be nothing in comparison to what He will
give them.
Rommel talked about how thankful they are that we could be here
during this time. Even if we feel like we’re not doing much, we really have
been a blessing to their family-and especially for the kids. He said we have
shown them our walks with the Lord and our faith has been an encouragement and
inspiration to them. We were here to be prayer warriors for their family, their
ministry, new property, etc. and although we may not be here to reap the
harvest or see fruit from that, we are definitely planting and sowing seeds. It
will be cool to keep up with their progress long after we leave, knowing that
our time here and our prayers prepared them for what is to come.
[Colleen, Jefferson, Stephanie, Nicole]
After they shared their hearts, we gathered around on the
floor of their living room and prayed together-this time in small groups. I
prayed with Nicole (10) and Colleen (16). These beautiful girls have become
like younger sisters to me. I loved just hearing their prayers-so bold and
powerful at such a young age. God is going to use these girls and this family
to bring change! I began tearing up at the thought of leaving these sweet,
beautiful sisters I have come to love so much.
Ever since we had them over for girls night-hula hooping,
dancing, movies, snacks and a sleepover-I feel like they have opened up even
more and let down their guards a little bit. They were able to let loose and
have fun!! J I
had the opportunity to do a volleyball clinic with them this morning. It was
really fun-I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed it! The kids truly helped
restore my love and joy for the game.
[my sisters]
I was able to share with them about how I learned to glorify
God with the talent He has blessed me with. I told them that they can glorify
and actually even worship the Lord in that way, too. Worship isn’t always just
through singing. God has blessed them with so many amazing talents and they can
use those to bring glory to Him!
I am so thankful for
everything I have learned from this family! They are all very hard workers and
do everything for God’s glory. They speak so highly of one another. They
compliment and encourage each other. They are very polite and appreciative of
everything. This family exemplifies a
life of faith in Christ.
