Jammin'

My (Gracy's) parents were in Asia visiting us, and we'd taken them to a small minority village called "Ancient Tree".  Among many other moments I'll never forget from that day was this one...

Market Day

Thinking outside the box

As the reality of our recent transition begins to set in, we are beginning to feel a growing sense of excitement that we once again have somewhat of a "blank canvas" to work with. 

It's funny how models and methodology that once brought you comfort can subtly begin to stifle your passion and vision for the work.  Optimism gives way to sobriety.  Passion gives way to submission.  Creativity and innovation slowly start to buckle under the pressure of conformity.

In Luke's second narrative we first encounter the character Paul.  As a vision for the future of the faith was birthed in him, his passion often moved him to action.  And though his methods were often in flux, his vision remained the same.  Sometimes short stays, sometimes long.  Sometimes confrontational, sometimes gentle.  Sometimes self-supported, other times provided for.  Sometimes he would yield, and other times he would stand his ground regardless of the consequences.

For Paul, staying true to his calling did not mean marrying his method(s).  His example gives me courage for the journey ahead.      

School Online?

When we return to Asia, I (David) plan on doing a combination of studying/teaching at the university there in our new town.  In preparation for this assignment, I have begun a 120-hour online course designed to prepare me better to teach English as a Foreign Language overseas (ESL).  Thanks for remembering us during this time.

Return Date

We are excited to announce that we plan on returning to Asia in August.  We have plenty to do in the next twelve weeks or so, and ask that you will be lifting up our family during this time.

Father has provided us a team to join and a people to focus on.  We will be living in the same province but a different city.  We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.  Much love from our family to yours. 

Neat Opportunity

I volunteered at Chick-fil-A Leadercast in Atlanta last Friday.  As a gift, the company who puts it on gave us the ability to re-watch the sessions online. 

While re-watching the session where CNN reporter Soledad O' Brien interviewed Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer (I could see them on stage during the event but never got closer than 150 feet :), I jotted down three questions that Tim gave aspiring leaders to consider:

1. Do you love what you do?
2. Are you passionate about what you do?
3. Are you willing to sacrifice?

Tim was really down-to-earth and sincere.  It reminded me of Paul's exhortation to Timothy not to let others look down on him because of his age.  We're rooting for you Tim.  Stand firm, brother.

 

Where to Begin (Part 3)

By the time I boarded the plane in February, though I was convinced that this would be a pivotal time in our relationship with this organization, I was still optimistic that we could find common ground and move forward.

Sadly, by the close of our main meeting, it was clear that an opinion of me had been formed (prior to the meeting) that would not be easily dislodged.  We were informed concerning our return to our country of service that the road ahead was unclear.

Feeling confused and deeply misunderstood, I returned home to share the news with our support network here.

This has been a time of much soul-searching for Gracy and I.  This experience served to confirm with painful clarity that the Father is indeed leading us in a different direction.    

Little did we know that a short time later, He would open an unexpected door that would cause our hearts to soar with joy.

To be continued ... 

   

Traditional Music

Last year, we had the privilege of spending time with a friend in their home to celebrate a local holiday.  During our visit, her sister offered to play a piece on a traditional instrument called the Gu Zheng.  Here is a video of that piece.  Enjoy!

Where to begin ... (part 2)

We returned home in May of last year for our scheduled home assignment.  During the first several months, we did a good bit of traveling in order to reconnect with friends and clubs whom we had not seen for several years.  In the fall, our travel schedule slowed a bit and we began turning our thoughts to our next term in Asia.

In late September, we began corresponding with our superiors over there regarding our return.  They communicated that they looked forward to beginning this conversation.  In December, I decided to make a couple of calls and share our thoughts regarding our next term.  The two gentleman I talked with listened, asked clarifying questions, and then shared a few of their thoughts. 

Shortly afterward, I asked them when I might expect to hear more from them on this subject.  They said it would not likely be before mid-January or late February. During this time, I began considering traveling to our annual meeting overseas to have a sit-down and help the process along.

After purchasing the plane ticket, I received the first of two emails that indicated to us that all might not be well.

To be continued ... 

Babyland General Hospital

Where to begin ...

These past few months have been some of the most challenging of our lives.  Over the next several posts, I will attempt to unpack for you some of the pertinent events and especially the life-changing lessons that have been revealed to us by our loving Father.  For now, we ask that you continue to lift up our family during this season of waiting on Him.

With all our love,
The Bondys