Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day comes but once a year and it comes a half day earlier in Malaysia than it does in the states. Happy Father's day, Daddy! We have been here two days, I think. But I didn't realize until last night that we got here on Friday, not Thursday (as it actually was in the US). On our return trip we will repeat a day. That will really mess with my feeble intellect.

We go to church this morning. It starts at 10:45 and will last until about 1:00. I'm concerned a bit about getting sleepy since I've been awake since 3. Perhaps I'm thinking incorrectly that it will not keep my attention. I don't have a clue, but this will be a first step into the Malaysian culture, which I'm excited about. (Our first meal here was at a Kenny Roger's. Go figure.)

Tomorrow we begin what we came here to do. We will be teaching counseling strategies and techniques to the pastors and lay leaders from the surrounding areas. This is in conjunction with a Bible school/college here. I don't know how easy or difficult communicating will be. It's all in English, but Dr. Biles has said we should speak slowly. This will not be difficult for this southern girl, but I'm not sure how the southern accent will affect things. "Y'all know what I mean?"

I am anticipating how my experiences here will change my life. There is no greater privilege than serving the Father who loves us so much by serving others, but I am also excited to see what He will do in me. There is an expectancy in my heart for what's next on His agenda for Robyn Brooks. As we flew over so many suburbs and communities from there to here, I could look down and see thousands of homes representing hundreds of thousands of people. I had to chuckle at my "sometimes haughty" self as I gained a bit of perspective of how we must look to God. I wondered how many of those precious lives (like me at times) believe they are important to God's work as if He would be in dire straits if He no longer had their assistance. As if He is aware of the amazing work they are doing and is impressed. Then I thought of how blessed I am when I realize that He was willing to search down through thousands of His children, pluck me out and allow me to follow His plan across the world. I am beginning to understand better that He gives us ministry not because He needs us, but because we need Him. We need to serve. We need to have purpose and significance. We need to see Him work through us. We need to grow and change. We need a deeper relationship. WE need. And He gives. Oh man. I have spent so much of my life thinking of how lucky God is to have me. What foolish thoughts. This side of heaven I will never be able to understand the deep love that causes Him to continue to work with me and use me.

Startin today......