Easter Morning Relfections From Half Way Around the World

It's Easter morning here already, 12 hours before the day dawns back home.  Muggy.  Hot.  We had the fan running all night, glad for the cool against our skin.  A rooster crows.  Cicadas buzz.  Incense, as always, hangs in the air.  Doesn't feel like Spring in any way whatsoever. 



But it does feel like Easter.

Resurrection morning, in all its glory, dawns big and  bold and beautiful here under the leaves of the banana tree and in the sweet smiles of greeting as we climb the hill for morning worship.  Easter morning worship.  New life.  Big power.  All in the name of Jesus who didn't stay dead!!!

Pra Yesa song feun keun ma!  Christ is risen!
Pra Ong song feun keun jing jing!  He is risen indeed!

We say it.  We sing it.  Altogether here by the cross at the top of the hill.  And later, together with Hot Springs Church, beautiful believing brothers and sisters, who worship together a Risen Christ.  Makes no difference in what language the story is told.  Again and again we rejoice in wonder. 

Right now as I write, from here in the guest house, the sounds of the younger children 'practicing' their praise in the chapel is big and loud and excited.  Someone's banging the drums.  They have the mics on and are amplifying their joy.  They are laughing.  They are singing.  They are praising.

Easter Sunday morning.  Doesn't feel like Spring.  But sure does feel like Easter.