Olympics, Part 2

The Olympics are interesting. I like to hear the stories of people and where they came from.
And despite what I wrote in my previous post, I have had some other thoughts on the Olympics. Melissa said to me, "Isn't that the point of the Olympics? To put aside our differences..." True, very true. Also, Pres. Bush addressed the issue in a recent interview that I just watched. The interview was interesting. Silly Bush said that there's nothing wrong with America--ha! But he also said that he's been taking the opportunity to talk to China about human rights, specifically freedom of religion. I like that...
Also, for the propagation of the Gospel, it's a very cool thing to have the world come together in one place... especially in a place like China.
So, instead of being all concerned about "History Repeating Itself", I'm just enjoying it. And, I've done more research and found that there have been tons of controversial places hosting the Olympics, besides Germany. Disasters and crazy Dictators don't always happen... just sometimes.
Go Team USA! ((Part of me can't believe I'm saying that.))

Olympics

Right, so, I can't believe the Olympics are in China. I mean, don't people realize that HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF? I don't mean to sound crazed, but it bothers me that we're supporting China in this way.

Reference back to about 72 years ago (From Wikpedia): The bid to host the Olympics was won before the National Socialist German Workers Party (a.k.a. the Nazi party) gained power in Germany in 1933. Since, however, the party now was in power, some leaders in the government saw the Olympic Games as an opportunity to promote their ideology, particularly its promotion of the superiority of the "Aryan Race". Adolf Hitler was convinced by Joseph Goebbels to allow the games to take place in Germany. Preparation for the Games started in the early 1930s. Hitler used the Olympics as a tool for propaganda. Film-maker Leni Riefenstahl, a favorite of Hitler, was commissioned by the International Olympic Committee to film the Games. The film, titled Olympia, originated many of the techniques now commonplace to the filming of sports.
By allowing only members of the "Aryan race" to compete for Germany, Hitler further promoted his ideological belief of racial supremacy.

Now, I'm not saying that just by having the Olympics, China is going to cause WWIII. They might have done it anyway. Or maybe Russia is starting it now? Who knows.

I'm going to watch the Olympics. I think we can celebrate them for what they are, but I just wish they were somewhere else. Oh, and my STINT team and I were on the same plane as the Uzbek Olympic boxing team one time, on a flight to London. That was cool.

Tyndall Gals

It's going to be difficult to be away from our families this coming year. And, we knew that when we committed... but there's a lot going on , especially on the Tyndall side.

For those of you who don't know: Momma Beth is engaged! AND, Valerie is engaged!

Also got to see my family on the road trip, and it was wonderful to have us all together! I also got to meet Mom's fiance, Dan, and be around Adam as Val's fiance, not just a family friend. Some very interesting changes!

Be praying for these relationships, to grow closer to the Lord as individuals--and closer to each other. And be praying that Matt and I will love them well, even from so far away!

P.L.A.N. is a four-letter word

... That was the theme of my road trip to SC with Shannon. :)

We had a very refreshing time catching up and processing the last couple years of our lives. Shannon and I have a lot in common. We've both been student leaders in the Upstate ministry of CCC, we both went to Gatlinburg Summer Project, went on White Crescent Summer Project, joined staff and immediately went overseas. We served with lots of the same people along the way. We've had a lot of similar life experiences (pre-Crusade).

But we're different too. It was funny: when we were driving into the green-ness of the East, I was like, "ahhh... home!" She said she felt claustrophobic! :) It's all about perspective...

Which is why we both agree that PLAN is a four-letter word. I really think that when walking

with the Lord, we are called to a general calling: to a relationship with Him. As any other relationship, things change. We can have the best thought-out plans, but then something will happen (like you get kicked-out of a country or you have some kind of breakdown) that changes everything. Or you get married when you thought you'd be a single missionary your whole life. Or you don't get married when all you've dreamed of is having a family. Or you don't get pregnant when you want, or you do when you don't...

I really could go on and on and on about things that we got to talk about. The bottom line is that God was SO good to give me that time... I needed it more than I ever could have realized. There's something refreshing about talking with someone who knows where you've been. And who knows yoru heart without having to explain it--or try to.

Shannon and I also got to spend about 40 hours with one of the coolest families on the planet: the Renners! Emily is a precious friend to both of us, so we ate up the time just sitting around and talking (in between playing with Luke and trying to help get Olivia adjusted to her schedule). Girls, y'all are so special to me. Thanks for the special time last week!

We also got to see the Merediths, and I wish we had pictures of them! But you can link to their blog on the right and see pictures of Momma Jacq and her Banjamins. It was a blessing to see you as well, Jacq!!!

It's Official!

After an amazing road trip with Shannon this last week (more on that later!), I had decided in my heart to leave the final Thailand decision up to Matt, my wonderful husband.

After spending a few days with good friends and newborns and family, it would have been easy for me to stay in America. On my flight from Atlanta to Dallas, sometime in the middle of the night, it was clear to me: Staying in the States and starting a family would be an awesome experience, and Moving to Thailand to teach adorable kids would be an awesome expereince. Either one could be God's will, and either one could bring much glory to Him. I prayed that the Lord would make it clear to Matt...

Probably within 30 minutes either direction of that prayer, Matt received the email offering us the position. And he believes this our next step, so I'm so excited!!!

The picture on the left shows the part of Thailand that we'll be in. Then, the next picture is a closer view so that you can see where we are in relation to Bangkok.

We're in for another adventure, folks! Can't wait to update you about how God is at work in Thailand. Prayerfully, he will use us there to spread His name. Even if He doesn't use us in that way, I know He will do a great work in our hearts and in our marriage.

(Global English School is in Nonthaburi, Thailand).

We will be leaving Texas August 23rd or 24th and flying out to Thailand September 2nd, we think.

In the meantime, there's lots and lots to to! Pray that our focus would be on the Lord and that we would be prepared spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, relationally (and every other way) for this journey of faith. If it really does happen in this time period, it will definitely be God's hand!