Four More Sleeps!

Today we received the email we have been waiting for!  Jim and Michelle's visas for Papua New Guinea have been approved, and they are ready to fly.  They will arrive in Manila on Wednesday, Dec. 14.  This Grandma is totally excited--even Grandpa seems pretty pleased!  They will stay with us until Christmas and then fly to PNG to start their ministry.  Thank You, Jesus!

Making Memories

I love studying the subject of missions. I think you could call it one of my passions in life. I have witnessed firsthand how much confusion has been created when missionaries try to pass on their own culture instead of the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. So I work hard in my ministry to examine what I am passing on, and I talk with the people I am discipling about what is Gospel and what is culture. But I know we all have blind spots, and I am sure that no matter how careful I am, I will still somehow pass on my own culture without realizing it. (Just an example: one of our students from Sri Lanka said that men in their villages normally wear a wrap-around sarong.  But the village men were all under the impression that if they decided to become Christians, they would have to start wearing pants.  One elderly man was quite interested in the story of Jesus, but he didn't own any pants, so he never visited the church!)

When Christmas time rolls around, I always feel this struggle even more. So much of the way we celebrate Christmas in the west has nothing to do with Jesus and His birth. I mean, what do Frosty the Snowman and Silver Bells have to do with anything? Many American Christmas traditions have been borrowed by Filipinos, and this adds to the confusion. It is hard to explain to a student from Vietnam why the mall in the Philippines has fake snow hanging from the ceiling and pictures of reindeer painted on the windows, while we celebrate the birth of our Savior born in Bethlehem!

So today, I invited my IGSL discipleship group to my home. We had lunch together and then talked about what we see on Christmas cards. (I always save all the Christmas cards I get, and use them for times like this!) We looked at the cards, and talked about Christmas symbols that are biblical, connecting them to the Christmas story in the Bible. Those were easy: the star, the manger, the shepherds, etc. 

Then we talked about the symbols that western Christians like to use, like evergreen trees (representing eternal life) and candles (representing Jesus as the Light of the World). These are not found in the Bible, but they have a spiritual meaning for us. And we also talked about Rudolph and Frosty and how they got into the mix--it was fun! Then we recycled the cards and made some Christmas decorations of our own. The commercial aspect of Christmas has found its way into every corner of Asia, so they were glad to be able to understand the symbols so they can explain them to their friends and neighbors in the years to come.

We had a lot of fun, made good memories, and enjoyed each other.  I pray they will be able to find ways to create their own symbols and traditions to share the story of Christmas with people in their own countries when they go home.

It Matters

Once a month, my arm looks like this.  I go with a team of students to a national prison called the Correctional Institute for Women.  The letters at the top are "CIW" and if you look closely at the bottom you can make out the word "VISITOR".  Sometimes, when you go to a play or an amusement park, they stamp your hand or wrist to show that you have the privilege of going in.  At CIW, they stamp our wrists on the way in, to show that we have the privilege of going out.  Since last year, six students and I have been visiting CIW every month.

We can't bring cameras or cellphones inside.  We have to leave all of our personal belongings in a locker near the front gate.  So the only photo I can produce for you is a photo of my own wrist when I come out.  Sometimes I wish I could give you a glimpse of the place.  It's not that bad, as third world prisons go.  The women have beds to sleep in, and they have food to eat three times a day.  It's not great food, but it's food.  Many prisons in Asia don't have those basic provisions.  But it's dreary.  There are almost 2,000 women in this facility.  They stay in rooms full of bunk beds, with no other furniture, about 100 people to a room.  Most of the guards are irritable.  If we bring snacks for the prisoners, the guards will always take some. 

Once, I asked for advice from one of our IGSL students who had been in prison before.  He encouraged me to just make eye contact and smile with as many people as I could on my way in.  So I do that.  They always smile back, and usually greet me.  We meet with a group of about 12 women for Bible study and discipleship.  They are always so happy to see us, and they greet us with hugs.  We encourage them to take what we teach them and share it with others, and some of them are doing it.

Yesterday, after a Bible study on Romans 12:9-21, I asked them how we could apply the passage in the coming week.  They talked about trusting God to care for them when the guards are grouchy.  One lady talked about longing for a cup of coffee.  (The prison doesn't provide anything like that.)  She just talked to God about it, and that afternoon, a visitor came and brought her coffee.  She said God's sweet answer to her prayer showed her that He cares. Another lady talked about praying for the guards.  They all laughed about their answers, and told me, "We know you don't understand, because you live on the outside!"  Their whole world is divided into two parts, the inside and the outside. 

It's true.  I live on  the outside.  And I have the purple mark on my wrist to prove it.  But God gives me the privilege of going in and having fellowship with them on the inside.  It helps me see my life from a different perspective.  Although I know our visit brightens their day, it's probably not going to change the world.  But it matters to them.   And I think it matters to Jesus.  So we keep going.

Bangladesh

 

 

Grand-babies

This grandma would love to be able to cuddle my grand-babies today, but it's not time yet! Jim and Michelle and the boys plan to stop here for a few days on their way to Papua New Guinea in December, so I am trying -- really trying -- to be patient! 

Out of Step

I am feeling out of step.  Like everyone else is marching to the music, and I can't quite catch up.  I was in the U.S. and Canada for 4 1/2 months, came back to Manila for one month, then left again for two weeks in Bangladesh.  I am back now, for a month already, but somehow I'm still trying to catch up.

My desk is covered with piles and files -- I am slowly conquering it.
My email box had a ton of letters to answer -- almost done with that one.
We have a new grandson, but haven't met him yet -- really looking forward to December when they will visit!
I had a very good trip to Bangladesh -- need to choose some good photos to tell you about it.
We have 50 new students at IGSL who arrived in May -- am still learning their names and faces.
Pray that I can catch up soon!

Our New Baby

Big Baby Boy!

Welcome to our world, Joshua Levi Albright!!!  Born October 17 at 12:18 a.m., weighing in at 10 lbs. 2 oz.  Mom and baby are doing fine.  Will post photos as soon as I have some!  Thank you, Lord!

Alive!

Yes, I am still alive!  I haven't blogged for three months, but I am still alive!  In fact, it's my birthday today, so I thought this would be a good day to come back online.

I just got back from two weeks in Bangladesh.  Will tell you more about my trip in the days to come.  This was my third trip in three years.  Each time I have taken a different friend/sister with me.  And each time we have posed for a rickshaw photo.  So just to let you know that I really went to Bangladesh, I hereby submit my proof:

We are waiting to hear news from Texas--our second grandson is due any day now!  So I have to hurry up and show you my Bangladesh photos because pretty soon I have to start posting baby photos!

Back in Canada

The thing I always remember about Canada, at least our part of Canada, is the wide open spaces. They seem so empty to me. Since we live in one of the most crowded cities in the world, the contrast is huge. But I always see James’ eyes light up when he comes home to his prairies. He loves being able to see the big sky and the long horizon and the fields newly planted.

.

I will feel the same way when we get to Kentucky. I love the rolling hills, the Ohio River with its deep banks, and the trees, trees, trees everywhere. I love knowing the names of all the flowers and trees. It feels good and right when I see the landscape in my Kentucky.

Will I feel that way when I get to my heaven? Will my eyes light up, and a smile spread across my face? I think so. I am pretty sure I will look around and whisper, “THIS is home!”

The Proud Grandparents

I came to Texas when Danny was born, and spent the first two weeks of his life here. And I have been here for the past two months. I keep wishing that James could be here . . . he is so good with toddlers and I know that he and Danny would have a great time together.

Finally this week James arrived. It has been so much fun to watch them together, and to hear James learn to understand Danny's unique language. Danny has a huge vocabulary for a child his age, but his pronunciation is a little weak. It takes some getting used to!

They have enjoyed early morning walks in the woods, and all kinds of play and laughter. A precious gift!

The Big News

Michelle and Danny and I took a trip to the ultrasound clinic . . .

The baby is healthy and normal, and is due around October 11 . . .

And it's a boy!

So it looks like Danny will have a little brother to play with in Papua New Guinea!

Rrrroar!

Danny has been sick for the last few days. He had a temperature and a bad cough. It's so hard when a little one is sick . . , they don't understand what's happening. He was miserable, couldn't sleep, wouldn't eat. This morning he seemed to be improving, so I thought I would try to cheer him up by letting him wear his favorite shirt. Whenever we put on his lion shirt, Danny shouts "Rrrrroar!" (He's an expert on animal sounds.) It was so nice this morning to hear that our little boy had his roar back! He still gets tired easily, but he's on the mend. Thank You, Jesus!

What Do You Value?

I’ve been spending most of my time these last few weeks in the company of a 17-month-old child. It’s quite different from spending my time in a seminary! But there is one thing the two settings have in common. I keep thinking about the topic of values.

In IGSL I teach some classes in the area of Missions, so we talk about culture and worldview. When discussing worldview, we always mention that “behavior” refers to “what is done” in a people group, but there is something underlying that called “values”. This refers to what is important or appreciated in the culture. Deeper still are beliefs and worldviews, but for this week I have just been thinking about values.

I often take Danny outside for a walk when his Mom needs to rest. Danny loves to pick things up as he goes along. One of his favorites is pine cones (which he calls “mine-cones”). When we use the word “favorite” we are expressing our value system. Danny appreciates pine cones. I am not sure why. But I know why I like them. I am imagining them in a Christmas wreath! The pine cones from the trees around here are big, so in my book that gives them more value. I say, “Wow, Danny, that’s nice!” But Danny doesn’t care about size. Sometimes he will let go of a 6-inch complete pine cone, and pick up a 1-inch broken one. Since he only has two tiny hands, he has to make a lot of choices as we walk along. When he lets go of a pine-cone for a blade of grass, or one pine needle, I just smile to myself. But when he decides to pick up a cigarette butt, I go into full Grandma alert! “NO, Danny! Don’t touch! It’s DIRTY!” He looks at me, totally baffled at my reaction, but decides to leave the cigarette butt there. Every time we go for a walk, I am imparting values. He is still a blank slate, but I give him positive or negative feedback with each choice. And so he learns to value what his parents and grandparents value. That’s what happens in every culture.

But why do I value a 6-inch pine cone more than a blade of grass? It has made me think.

Mothers' Day

So, I've been missing in action for quite awhile! I thought that Mothers' Day would be a good time to make my reappearance in the blogging world.

Being a mother has led me to a major schedule change this year. I'm in Texas mothering my daughter Michelle. She is having a difficult pregnancy, and I am glad that I could come here and help her through these challenging weeks. Her full-time job is to keep growing the little one inside her, and my full-time job is taking care of the house, the diapers, the laundry, the kitchen, and the very active toddler-boy.

Random thoughts about my life these days . . .

1. How I wish I could do something to take away the yucky feeling of nausea that is overwhelming Michelle these days. She's miserable. I know that when we meet the new baby, it will be worth it all, but I wish there was a magic drug that could make her feel good now.

2. Keeping up with Danny is so much fun and he makes me laugh constantly. When I went back to the Philippines in January 2010 after being here for his birth, I grieved that I would not be a part of his life as he grows up. And then, unexpectedly, God gave me this gift! I am suddenly the primary caregiver for now, and from the first moment I arrived he has acted like he has always known me. His name for me has evolved into "Maima" and I love hearing it.

3. Listening to a little one acquiring language is both fascinating and hilarious. I think I will have to do a separate post about that. But for today I will share my favorite word. Jim and Michelle don't like to hear him fussing and whining whenever he wants something, so they taught him to ask nicely by saying "please." The problem is, he can't pronounce it, so it comes out "meese". If he wants a drink, he says "milk, meese". If his toys are stuck in the toybox, he says "help, meese". If he gets himself stuck somewhere, I will hear suddenly hear a loud voice shouting "MEEEEEEEESE!" Precious memories that I never thought I would get to have!

4. Going to WalMart for groceries is still a novelty for this missionary lady. Grocery shopping in the Philippines has moved ahead light-years from when we first went there 32 years ago, but still nothing compares to the thousands of options available in grocery stores here. I can't help comparing the aching poverty I have seen in Asia to the over-abundance that is evident in America.

5. When I flew to North America last month, I traveled via Vancouver, and I was able to spend one evening with Matthew. He is in Law School at UBC, and he really loves it. He has always been a very bright kid who didn't really enjoy school, so it's really nice to see him enjoying his studies. I think he'll be a great lawyer

6. I miss my other children. I am the mother at IGSL -- my job is to watch out for the students and to be alert to see who needs attention and care. I really love my job, and my busiest time of year is when the new students arrive in May. They will be arriving during the next few weeks, and I am sad that I cannot be a part of it this year.

7. Also, God has given me a unique ministry of caring for students who come from non-Christian backgrounds and who do not have believing parents. Some have already graduated and some are still at IGSL. My role is simply to worry about them and encourage them and be proud of them and give them advice and all the other things that parents do. I have several children from Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim backgrounds. Sometimes I believe this is the most significant ministry I have. I am still doing it via internet, but I am dreaming of seeing them in person.

That's my multi-faceted life as a mother. Having children all around the world means I can't be with all of them at the same time. When I imagine heaven, I think that it will be a place where there will be no more separation. Ever. And I long for that.

Babies

About 6 months ago, one of our IGSL student couples from Myanmar announced they were expecting a baby in March.  We hadn't had any new babies recently, so everyone was happy.  A few weeks later, one of our Filipino couples announced that they were expecting a baby in April.  More happiness!  And a few weeks after that, a third couple, also from the Philippines, announced the news that they were expecting in May -- and after they had their ultrasound, their delight doubled, because the doctor said they would have twins! Wow, four babies!  As the weeks went by we found out that all four of them were boys.

To our surprise and dismay, in the past three weeks, all four of the babies were born.  The twins came first, born at only 27 weeks. Collin and Calvin were so tiny and weak, but they fought hard, and we prayed earnestly.  Just a week later, baby Jonathan arrived, also premature.  He was born at 30 weeks, also very tiny, but with better chances of survival than the twins. Another week went by, and baby Joshua came.  He was 36 weeks, a little early, in breech position, and needing a cesarean delivery, but he was in very good condition.  He was actually the one who was due first, but arrived last.

The past week has drawn our community together.  The hospital bills for these babies and their moms have been staggering and we have seen awesome sacrificial giving.  We've seen everyone give and love and pray.

One day would bring news that Collin and Calvin were improving, then the next day we would hear that Collin's life was hanging in the balance.  Then he would fight his way back again, and we would all breathe a sigh of relief. 

Meanwhile, Jonathan was improving slowly. His mom came home from the hospital, reluctantly leaving him behind in the incubator, but the doctors said his prognosis is good.

Joshua has been the healthiest, and is already home in our IGSL community with his parents and big sister.  Happy news!

And then Tuesday evening we heard that Collin was in very critical condition again.  That night, after 18 days of life, God took him home.  And to our shock, seven hours later, He took Calvin home too. Thursday night our community held a memorial service for the twins. We were all just overwhelmed, and there were so many unanswered "why" questions. We know that God is good.  But our hearts are aching.

Meanwhile, we are still praying and giving and hoping, counting the days till Jonathan can come home.  The doctor said it should be in about 3 more weeks.  It's not cheap, and they don't have insurance. But he is alive, and we are grateful!  Here is Jonathan with his dad in the hospital.  He only weighs three pounds!

.

And, all at the same time, we are visiting and rejoicing and playing with Joshua and his family.  What a blessing he is, born on his dad's birthday!  His big sister Abigail, age 4, is SO proud of him.
.

God tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, and to bear one another's burdens.  But I've never had to do it all at the same time like this!