Dear Asia,
Our relationship began with a bit of a rocky start. While I was excited to come and work with children, I really knew nothing about you. I grew up wanting to go to every other continent, but you were never high on my interest radar.
Our first two months together were life changing! I got to know a small part of you through a little town in China, and I could have stayed there forever. Yet, I returned home, and for three years those two months and those amazing children where all I could talk about.
Then it came, the opportunity to return to you, and I could have been sick from excitement. I was dancing and singing everywhere! So, after three years I returned to China, and while you had changed a lot in such a short time, you fogged air, street food aromas, foreign language, beautiful children and smiling faces felt like a warm embrace from home.
Then I began a journey that allowed me to know more about you.
In the rainforests of Thailand I was greeted with the opportunity to believe in dreams, to believe that God can do what may seem impossible, to see children seeking God in profound ways and to overcome fears. I also learned that one could eat approximately 3 mangosteens before dyeing their hands purple and that foxes don’t actually say anything that we might think.
Cambodia was a month of learning to love beyond measure. Learning what it might be like to become a mother, and a mother to many. In this month God re-assured me of my heart for orphans. I also learned the prayers and laughter that ensues from a late night journey with a stranger in a typhoon, and how scary I become after a single energy drink.
In Malaysia I learned to see joy in every opportunity. I learned that late nights and nachos lead to ridiculous dance parties. I learned that my favorite sound in the universe is the sound of a child laughing, and if I can be a piece of creating a source of laughter I will forever be satisfied. I also learned how to pick a coconut from a tree and was hugged by one of your more hairy and endangered locals: a monkey!
In Japan I became part of both a German and Japanese family. I I learned the power of my testimony and was reminded over and over of God’s provision. I learned to set aside personal choices in order to share the Gospel in new ways. I learned to set aside so many fears within myself and replace them with the joy and love of Christ. I also learned that God, and the Japanese, simply want to hear you worship no matter what your voice sounds like (and they want you to hear you more than once!)
Over the last three years I have done everything I could to return to you, and in the last 5 months of being with you I have fallen in love. Yet, here we are, at yet another goodbye, and I am grieving the thought of an uncertain return. I have been beyond blessed by our time together, and I know I leave you in the hands of OUR sovereign father.
Our last parting lasted three years. What will it be this time?
Your second biggest admirer (God of course as your first),
Kayla
Reflection
What goodbyes have you yet to give to God?
Prayer
For every nation and the people we encountered that God would continue to place people in their lives to disciple them.
For the ministry God has awakened in the hearts of Zach and Hailey’s for the nation of Japan.
