Well :) All packed, all set, all ready to start the 26 or so hour journey home!... er, wait, maybe not :) All I know is God's timing is perfect & there's a reason our flight leaving Ouagadougou to Paris tonight is cancelled... turns out Air France is on strike & we most likely won't know anything more till tomorrow afternoon, but it sounds like a realistic guess for departure is Tuesday night, home Wednesday afternoon...
I'm not sure how many times in the Bible God tells us to WAIT on Him, but I know it's a lot, and I also know this: (Phil. 4:6-7) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer & supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus." I love that :)
So I'm praying and I'm giving thanks. I'm thanking God for the amazing past 2 weeks, for all these amazing people here in Burkina Faso that we've met, for health & safety on our trip, for all the awesome things God has shown me on this trip, and for all you guys back home who've been praying for us, thank you SO SO much! All I know is I could write an infinity volume book on all the things I'm thankful to God for, but today as I was reading in John 14, I was reminded to keep an eternal perspective & that I'm most thankful for the promise of heaven :) Perfect Eternity. I think those 2 words pretty well sum it up & I can't wait to spend that perfect eternity with our God, with all you reading this that know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life (or in Moorè: A Jesus ya sore sida la viim :) (John 14:6). And I can't wait to see all these awesome Burkinabe people there who keep their hope in heaven too!
James 4:14 reminds us that our life is "a vapor that appears for a little time & then vanishes away." So let's make the most of it, folks. Let's not waste our time here on earth doing things that aren't going to matter in heaven, but let's store up our treasures in heaven and do what we can where God has put us (in our jobs, in school, where we live, wherever we are) to further the Kingdom of Heaven! That's exciting stuff & a daily challenge for me, to live for heaven.
As for this trip, I'm not sad that it's over. Because it's not. Ha! That's funny since I really don't know when I'll get home (but God does). But it's not over because really it's just the start of some great friendships & awesome ministry opportunity with these people & this great place here. Lord willing, I'd love to come back soon, so I guess we'll just wait & see :)... See, God gives us all kinds of opportunities to work on our waiting skills. Amen!
God bless you all & I can't wait (well, yes, I guess I'm going to have to) to see you soon!
In Him,
Ryan
P.S.
I like the way Pastor Brett puts heavenly-mindedness:
"some people say Christians are no earthly good because they're too heavenly-minded. But we knoz different. We know that unless we're heavenly-minded, we'll be no earthly good!"
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6 comments:
Dear Ryan,
Waiting is supposed to be good for us:)
We'll save the meal until Wednesday or whenever you show up in Seattle.
These are the fun, unpredictable moments in international travel. Keep your eyes wide open for the opportunities that God has in mind for you during these waiting days.
Love,
Jo Dee
I like what you said about Heaven. When we cross paths with so many amazing brothers and sisters in Christ, and know we may never see them again on this earth, isn't exciting to think about the amazing reunion in Heaven?! It almost give me chills! What a glorious day! Thank you for the reminder to live every moment with that eternal perspective! Hope your extra bonus days in Burkina are full and rich. Can't wait to see you... whenever that may be:)
Always praying for you!
Christina
Hi, Ry!
Well it sounds like you'll have a couple more days with your "foosball friends!" Ha! Ha! We were disappointed to hear that we'll have to wait a few more days to see you, but you paint a nice perspective when you say God's timing is perfect :) And look at it this way too: It's just one of those "character building experiences" in life that make us all stronger! No worries . . . we'll be there whenever you arrive with lots of hugs and kisses! Keep us posted (and let us know if there is anything we can take care of for you).
Love,
Mom & Dad
This little pause in plans is no surprise to God! He has something more for you, to be sure. Fill up those days (and nights) with Life.
Myrna & Don
(Remember, you're blessed to be a blessing!)
Ryan,
we have been reading all your blogs and have yet to leave a comment. It just seems a little scary… blog comments ( I like having my words be a little private) However, now that you are not returning on time, I thought that I would take a minute and tell you that you have been in our prayers constantly (as has your friend Christina). Your words and thoughts have been very uplifting and really have made me think about all the glorious blessings that we have. It is amazing the way that God has been using you… I think that your journey is amazing. We will continue to pray for you and the remaining time you have there in Africa and a safe trip home, whenever that may be.
We Love you Ryan and we are very proud of you,
Jenni, Kevin, Keanen, Coen and little Chloey
Ryan! I hate waiting! I'm praying about what God has for you there in your waiting period. Have your listening ears on! :)
Love,
Tammy
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