teach us...

I'm lying in bed in my apartment in Dongguan, China at midnight on Wednesday, November 7th. I'm now 13 hours ahead of you all so you all are about to eat lunch I suppose. I should be sleeping, and although I'm really going to pay for this tomorrow (or my kids will), I can't sleep.

As most of you know, I'm not really an openly mushy person and fight that part of my personality because I don't enjoy it. But oh well...I'm giving in tonight. It's all because of some Christmas decorations I saw in Walmart yesterday. As soon as I saw them I stopped in mid-stride and smiled like I am doing now. Not a huge smile, but a little smirk if you will. I just miss home. I miss calling ALL of you when I feel like it, or worse, when I need to. I miss the possibility of driving to Wesleyan to see that branch of my family. I miss the possibility of walking down the street and seeing someone I know. I miss the possibility of you all calling me. I miss so many things, guys...and so many of you.

I'm reminded of the verse in Phillipians 4 that says, "Not that I speak in respect of want for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." I'm content because I serve an amazing G-d who provides, encourages and loves me regardless of my geographical location. I am pra-sing Him for where He has brought me. There is no other place I'd rather be than in His will. I feel like I'm defending myself...do you all I understand what I'm saying? I am content, yes. I miss home, yes. They don't conflict with one another. He's using them to compliment each other. The more I miss home the more I begin to understand what being content really means. The verse says "I've learned." I'm learning.

I love you all so much. Have I told you that before? I often think about the reunions that will take place and nearly burst. I have to take those thoughts captive lol. Otherwise I'd never get anything done. But you see my point I think. It's going to be wonderful.

He's teaching me so much, team. I can't wait to tell you without dashes and code words. Until then, I'll be pr-ying for you.

"So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (P-alm 90:12)