Not There

What does a missionary to Thailand do with herself if she can’t go to Thailand?

 Great question.

 Covid-19 has disrupted and disoriented lives all around the world.  Travel, particularly international travel, was among the first components of life to shut down.  Likely it will be one of the last to reopen, at least to the kind of ‘non-essential’ travel as visits to Hot Springs would be classified.  As well, there is the quarantine periods to consider.  Fourteen days on either side of a month-long visit drastically reduces any meaningful contribution, and imposes significant stress on both families, coming and going.

 So yes, I am “stuck” and “safe” in Canada for the foreseeable future.

 But I am not wasting this!

 Whatever else Covid-19 has imposed upon our lives – and with great sorrow and respect for those who have suffered and have lost loved ones – there is a way of approaching this unusual time with an eye for the opportunities.  And I see so many opportunities when it comes to the work of New Family Foundation!!

Opportunity to move forward with Property Development

We now have enough funds to begin building the road.  Covid-19 lockdown in Thailand, then the rainy season has stalled us from getting a good start on this for now.   In the meantime, there is still the larger project to consider and fundraising ventures to pursue.  Anyone who’s been involved in fundraising large projects such as this knows it takes time!  I am grateful for the extra time to read, connect, learn and experiment.  There is still a good vision ahead of us for providing the appropriate space for our kids.

Opportunity to stay connected.

Without a visit this summer, we were able to gather pictures and greetings from the Children’s Sponsors to send digitally.  This was an important connection, and something we hope to do every so often between the Children and their Sponsors, as long as in person visits are not possible.  Also, staying connected relationally with Suradet and Yupa and the children is happily possible through Facebook video chats.    Ken and I have even participated not just in the official Management Committee meetings required by both governments, but also in evening times of worship. 

Opportunity to prepare for next visit.

The preparation work for sermons and Bible lessons taught while there is significant.  While no date is set for a next visit, I can and am still working on the writing and research and gathering of materials.  A series in the book of Acts is on tap, and it’s been good to have extra time to make the lessons, in particular, engaging and fun. 

Opportunity for general ‘housekeeping’.

During the busy times of preparing for, traveling to, and returning from Thailand, the necessary tasks of overseeing a Foundation can get put in the ‘to do another time’ pile.  This is that other time.  Keeping records up to date, even purging and filing pictures for future use, is all part of the work, and I am grateful for the space to make sure things are all in good order.

Opportunity to support my supporting church.

As you know, Highview Community Church in Kitchener provides the “umbrella” for New Family Foundation and the means by which all donations, Sponsorships, and other important connections can function with accountability.  As Missionary In Residence, it is already part of my job description to serve in any way that’s reasonable, including being part of the preaching team.  During this period of time, another more concentrated way to support Highview has presented itself.  Our Senior Pastor, Erin Wildsmith and her husband Dave are expecting their third child in November.  Highview has asked if I would provide ministry oversight during the nine months of her mat leave.  There are several reasons I am delighted to serve Highview in this way.  One of them is in support of a church that acknowledges female leadership, particularly when it requires providing her with time to enjoy her baby and bond as a family.  This is still new in many church cultures, and I am happy to come alongside Highview as we continue to forge new paths for our congregation in the future.  The mat leave is from November 15, 2020 to August 15, 2021.   I will be retaining 15 hours per week to put towards all that is required to keep New Family Foundation and our children safe and well.

Opportunity for language study.

In between visits it is essential that I stay on top of the constant work of learning Thai.  This is best done in small daily doses, with weekly reinforcements.   Listening to Thai worship music, writing out Scripture from my Thai Bible, rewriting my rather messy notes in my Thai song book, and work through online lessons helps.  Nothing substitutes, however, for the immersion experience, and I am very conscious of what I’m missing by not being there.  All prayers for my cognitive functions are greatly appreciated :).

Opportunity to write.

Prompted by my own reflections during this long time of global weirdness, I have found some therapy in writing.  To my surprise, others seem to have found some of my words helpful, and have encouraged me to give some attention and time to making them more widely available.  I do not know what might come of such a venture, but….stay tuned for what might develop out of these initial ideas.  Anything that emerges will be put towards fund raising. 

Thank you.

Your ongoing faithfulness during this difficult time has been so encouraging and inspiring to me personally, and also to Suradet and Yupa, who cannot express their gratitude enough.  We are confident that God is moving us forward.  Your contribution keeps us headed in a good direction, no matter what the future holds.

One more thing.  We have a new grandson!  Timothy Christian was born Sunday, August 2, weighing in at 7 lbs 8 oz.  He is a blessing and a joy, and certainly provides me with no end of opportunity.  Leaving a legacy for children.  Can’t think of a better thing to do with ‘all this time’.

 Blessings and peace.

Stay safe and well.