I just wanted to share a little insight into what a normal day might be around here, and what our surroundings are like.  It's interesting the little things that are different...

First of all, in the kitchen, hidden behind our cabinet door, on the left is where we do laundry.



See our tiny washer, that also "dries" with puffs of steam? I like the steam/hang up combo myself.  I also like my mattress which is very very very firm- probably because it's good for my health. (See below).


This is how you know you weren't invited to the party around here/how popular you are... I haven't had any shoes left outside my door... Could you all help me with this problem? Actually our CRATE got here with all of our stuff this past Monday! I can't wait to get my tea set out and have tea with whoever will come!





Starting a "BBQ" fire with coal in a pit on a rainy day with 8 teenage girls- it's quite a feat! (and not your typical BBQ- pork and fish meatball things with mushrooms or some other taste, wings, and other unidentifiable objects on a skewer as seen in the photo-





Trying to explain why my credit card says "Katie" and my passport says "Katherine" - at least after 2 1/2 hours at the bank I got rewarded with this keychain:
and got to write a comment card for the teller for her "flexibility"... I pondered taking a snapshot of that as well, but decided that would not look good to the people who are handling my money. (It's called saving face, but that's another post for another day.) I had to run downstairs a couple of times to get a verification and then another signature from Matt, which they were quick to comment that at least I got my exercise today. Happy "year of the ox"!

Oh, and tack "health" or "environment" on to whatever you are doing and that makes it a good thing. Many Chinese will be concerned about these things... so to put everyone's soul at ease- you will find signs like this on any thing there many hands may touch (elevator buttons, handles, escalators...) and still the anti-bacterial hand gel everywhere... ooooh the hand gel! (It's a good thing- just like the Katie/Katherine thing- for our safety and security... so thankful. Yes. )

Last but not least... words like, happy, fun, and joy- even your water bill is more awesome because of this! Ya'll want to come pay it right now, don't you? I thought so.



Speaking of Joy...
It's a joy to just be here and soak it in and have the time to be sensitive to how He is refining me through the tiniest things, preparing me and the rest of our team for the "bigger things."   I know that when you and I are faithful in the small things, that there is such deep blessing there.  These are the moments that no one else sees but that HE alone sees.  This draws me nearer to Him, knowing that He and I have shared that moment and that His grace enabled me to walk righteously in the littlest things.  I know if I am the "apple of His eye" that He delights in me.  His glance is not infrequent towards me.  He takes pleasure in who I am and I take pleasure in Him.  There is intimacy and joy and delight in what could be a mundane day, but it's HIS day and we get to share it together!  I can say I AM learning to be content whatever the circumstance. I love this quote by Jeremiah Burroughs:

Christian contentment is that sweet inward quiet, that gracious frame of spirit which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.

I definitely don't have it down, I get frustrated and exasperated sometimes, but at the core of me is Christ, and He is TOTALLY submitted to the wise and fatherly disposal of GOD!  Christ IN me allows this to happen!  Now THAT is FREEDOM!  I have the blessed opportunity to be the recipient of GOD's wise and fatherly disposal in THIS condition, and the next, and the next... "¹¹Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Phil 4:11-13.  If you are in a high or low that is ok- He is revealing Himself to you- so that you will tap into the gracious Spirit of Christ in you.  Seems like Paul went through that too... Just read Philippians.

What does it mean for me and you to really RECEIVE from the King of Kings who "... longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.  For the LORD is a God of justice. "
The promise for us today (as I have said before)-
 ¹⁹ O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. (Isaiah 30:18-19)


His answer for me today:  Trust the process- I am doing more than your eyes can see!

3 comments

1. Brandy on 2:14 AM

   that may be the most enjoyable blog you've ever written!! I thoroughly enjoyed every word and every picture. hehe It's just such an adventure!! Loves it! I insist that the poster is NEVER removed. I've loved it since I first saw it last night. Keep it up forever Zachs! Love you Katie B!

    
2. malorie on 12:36 PM

   i'm so glad to spend these "regular" days with you!

    
3. Unknown on 3:17 AM

   so much love and thankfulness for you sweet sister. think of you all so often