Sunday

The past two days have been quite full, so I'm grateful to have a schedule-free Sunday to relax and be refreshed. On Friday, Tamara and I had to pick Terrie T. and Mark J. up from the airport. They are from CEF's headquarters, and we were the first stop on their "Whirlwind Tour" to visit several Summer Missions destinations and encourage the missionaries. We got seriously lost several times getting to and from the airport, which resulted in not having enough time to pick Chris up to help with our late afternoon clubs. So Tamara and I ended up teaching them ourselves. Another lesson in flexibility, right? One little boy named Eric received Christ, which was very exciting. When children come to know Christ it makes all of the stress of preparing and getting to club so totally worth it. Quincy and Rob didn't return to club, which was slightly disappointing, but I'm praying that the seeds that were planted on Thursday would eventually take root in their lives.

You might want to keep Paige and her family in your prayers. She came to our club on Thursday with a certain degree of hesitation, but stayed for the entire club hour. When we were heading to our car after the club, Paige's mother began to holler out of her apartment window that "we weren't allowed to give any material to these children" and that "if we came back, [she] would call the cops and press charges." We have permission from the Boston Housing Authority to do the clubs, plus we didn't force any material onto the children - they were free to take it or leave it. Nevertheless, we were concerned that this woman would cause disruption during our Friday club. I was surprised to see Paige at our club on Friday, and even more surprised to see that she had brought her two younger brothers. She made them sit down on our blanket and participate in the club. Before we had progressed 15 minutes into the club, Paige's mother came storming over. She removed her kids from the club, hollered something about suing us, and then marched off. And that was it. We were SO grateful for God's protection in that situation and that we were able to continue the club without issue. My heart broke for Paige, though, when I saw her standing on the top of some nearby playground equipment, attempting to hear what we were teaching during club.

Yesterday was spent doing some sightseeing in downtown Boston. Since Terrie and Mark's plane did not leave until late afternoon, we ventured down the Freedom Trail and saw many amazing historical sights. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Old State House (and seeing John Hancock's coat!!), Paul Revere's House and the Old South Meeting House. It was incredible to stand where great events in our nation's history took place and to be where famous men once stood. It was a full day, but it was very pleasant indeed.

Tamara is still praying and seeking wisdom about whether she should continue doing ministry this summer, or if it would be wise for her to take the opportunity to get completely physically well. Because her decision will effect what I do, I am praying that God's clear direction will be given. I hate being in limbo, where I don't know from day to day what the plan will be.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that God is still in control of this trip and our ministry when it feels like we have been jumping from one stressful event to the next. Sometimes, I'm tempted to think, "What is the point?" From my viewpoint, we haven't been as effective as I would have liked. But my plans and ideas are not necessarily God's and I am confident that His plans will be accomplished if we continue to seek Him. His faithfulness has been apparent in everything and I'm grateful for the security I have in knowing Him.

Enough of this epistle for now.