Let there be light

I’m supposed to be writing a paper for a seminary class (which is why I haven’t been blogging much these days), but something great happened today that I just have to share.

In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light!

Man, he makes it sound so simple.

The truth is, we have not had any lights in our bathroom in the last six months.

You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal with that?”

Well, let me explain it to you.

I like to shower at night.

But see, our bathroom is right underneath our water tank which sits directly above our house on our roof. The heat and sun of the day boils the water in that tank, meaning if you take a shower during daylight hours, it comes out almost scalding. (Ok, I might be exaggerating a smidge, but it IS really hot.) If you want to have any chance of a shower at a decent temperature, you gotta do it at night.

But we’ve had no lights in our bathroom. So the choice was either sweat while you shower during the day and come out smelling just as nasty as before your shower, or bathe in complete darkness at night. (Not so good when shaving your legs either I might add.)

Oh, CJ in his brilliance tried to rig up some solar powered lights and even some re-chargeable battery operated lights. The problem with those is that they were inside the bathroom, meaning you have to step into the bathroom to turn the lights on. But here in Myanmar, we have all our light switches on the outside of the rooms, and it’s for one simple reason:

You never NEVER want to step into a dark room without first giving all the critters a chance to scurry away before you enter. See? So you turn on the lights from the outside before you enter a room, giving any creepy-crawly things about seven seconds to go hide behind a cabinet or in a dark corner where they can’t be seen before the human comes into the room. (If not, said-human would have to attempt to kill the creepy crawly thing or go screaming crazily throughout the house until another family member of said-human is willing to come kill the varmint.)

Our family has spent some time lately trying to figure out ways to cut our stress and make life a little more comfortable. We often go about encountering one challenging issue or another simply because we live in a third-world country with little resources or modern conveniences. We just say to ourselves, “Oh, this is the way it has to be,” and we try to deal with it. But in a recent family discussion, we wondered if maybe sometimes we suffer unnecessarily because our country is changing and now there are opportunities for things we didn’t have in the past.

Even though we don’t always have electricity, when we do have it, we could surely have it in the bathroom, right?!?

So CJ called an expert electrician to see what he could do.

The problem is, our flat roof retains water during the monsoon season and all the electrical lines up there are exposed, causing wiring issues for everything on our second floor.

But, the electrician came today and bada bing, bada boom – we now have lights in our bathroom! I’m so excited!

Oh sure, it’s rigged redneck-style up there, so it’s not the most beautiful way to hang lighting. There are ugly wires and cords poking out here and there, and there is yellow molding on the ceiling from all the water. But the important thing is…. We have lights!

While the electrician was here, I had him fix a few other things around the house that were bothering me too. And when all was finished and he brought me his bill for parts and labor, do you know what the total was?

It was $10.75.

TOTAL. Including everything!

So see, there are some benefits to living in a third-world country after all.

I can’t wait to see what more changes happen here as time progresses.

Maybe someday we’ll even have continuous electricity! Wouldn’t that be something?

Well, a girl can dream.

But for now, I’m going to go dream in my bathroom with the lights on. J

Just for kicks - Here's a picture of my new bathroom light:

Back in the saddle... again

Talk about being past due, it has been way too long since my last update.
We've just been busy (no excuse) and the perfectionist in me won't allow myself to just post something casual or insignificant. Although, that's what I've decided I've just got to do. Otherwise we might completely fall off everyone's radar. We really do need your intercessions, and so I know it's important for me to keep sharing the stories of all we get to see and experience.

In the last few months, we've had a few people come visit and work along side us.
We had a Hispanic team come in March. Can I just tell you that these guys and gals are some of the most hard-working, passionate about sharing type folks that I have ever met. If we had volunteers like them here all the time, I think our mission would quickly be accomplished.
We also had a father-daughter pair come for a week. That was really fun! An old college fraternity brother of CJ's and his 13 year old came to help out for a week. They really encouraged us. They made us laugh, and they blessed us in so many ways.
Rounding out the recent guests, we had a three student team from William Carey University come on a vision trip, led here by none other than my parents. The team got to see a lot of our city and potential opportunities for future partnerships, and after they departed my folks stayed on a little longer to visit.

We had a great time with my family - well, as long as we were inside with the air con blowing on us. :) They really struggled with the heat and the deficient electricity. The food here is unusual and questionable. Even when I cooked at home for them, the meat just tastes different. Then there's the crazy traffic and so many people. It's all something I guess we just have become accustomed to, but their difficulties were a reminder to us of just how challenging a place this is to live.
They were both actually quite happy to leave our beloved Southeast Asian home when we all departed together on our family's visa run to Thailand. My mom was almost giddy.
I have to confess, we did work them while they were with us in our city. We had them going out and participating in our work. They were teaching and sharing and encouraging. They were surely quite the troopers through it all. They have earned a month of rest and recuperation for sure, of course it will mostly be spent in jet lag. I know they have many stories to tell.
Before their return to America, we got to spend a few days at the beach in Thailand. We also had a family friend come join us for a couple days. It was a real treat.

But now, we're back in the saddle, so to speak.
We've got a busy summer coming up with the arrival of new co-workers in our city and more volunteers coming our way. We just love it and we wouldn't have it any other way.
I promise better and more frequent updates coming soon.
Keep looking up!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who sent us things with my parents. Meansville BC, Columbia Academy, FBC Columbia and so many individuals. You truly showered us with love. Bless you!

New blogger coming your way!

Coming soon at zoegrayjohnson.blogspot.com - check it out!

Whine and cheese

In case you hadn’t heard, it’s hot here.

I feel like I post way too much about the temperatures in our area, but I continually find myself in awe when I look at my phone to discover the heat index has reached 114 degrees F, like today. 

Even inside with the air cons on, it feels like an oven.

My favorite lipstick – that was in a room with the air con on – melted yesterday.

Today I was going to bake a chicken casserole for dinner and the cheese melted on top before I even put it in the oven to bake.

The local news is blaming El Nino for the crazy, extreme temperatures, but excuses don’t make it any cooler, ya know?

I decided to escape the heat from within today and climbed up to the roof of our house for some relief. We have a flat roof with a railing around the edges, so it’s safe to walk around up there. The moment I opened the hatch and pulled myself up through the small opening, I felt a pleasant breeze blowing.

It was about 6:00 p.m. and the sun was just beginning its final descent. The orange, yellow and purple hues in the sky contrasted against the green of the palm trees as far as the eye could see.

The half-finished apartment buildings currently under construction in our neighborhood, towered above the streets with their various shades of paint colors – mauve, peach and crimson being the apparent favorite choices – adding an unusual mosaic effect to the picturesque view.

The meditative chanting emanating from a nearby monastery was calming and provided a tranquil backdrop, muting any sounds of cars or buses from the main roads.

It was so peaceful and serene, and I found myself captivated by the beauty of it all as the stresses of the day faded away.

While the light departed and evening arose, the sounds of kids on the street riding bikes and playing soccer bubbled up from below. I could hear women nearby clinking their pots and pans, preparing their dinner over their wood burners outside. There were other sounds, like water splashing from a neighbor taking their evening bath – most of the homes on our street don’t have indoor plumbing, so they bathe outside near their water tanks.

Briefly disconcerting was the scuffling sound I heard that drew my attention to a tree in our neighbor’s yard with a big rat climbing up one of the branches into the rafters of their bamboo home. I quickly scanned around our own house to make sure there were no branches from any tree touching any part of our house. Once I was secure in our own varmint-free environment, I returned to my placid state.

For a minute, I felt like I was in a movie. Looking out I could see for miles, and the amazing view amidst the lulling sounds of the monks’ chanting was surreal.

I kept thinking to myself, “I wish everyone could experience this place.”

Sure it’s hot and the language is hard and finding any type of comfort or convenience is a challenge, but in that moment, I just felt so unbelievably blessed.

In a few months, our family will celebrate five years in the overseas service of our Father.

And this evening as I stood surveying this place that we call home and recalling the experiences of these five years, I couldn’t help but be thankful. 

And I just had to share it.

I so wish more people from home would come visit this phenomenal place, but for now, I’m thankful to just be able to share this amazing adventure. And maybe you’ll find some reason for being thankful for wherever you are.   

Easter in the East

Easter was such a big deal growing up in the South.

Every year, my mom and I would go out in the hunt of a new Easter dress. The dress would be accompanied by gloves and a hat – usually a big, floppy type.

Easter morning we would arise early and I would search throughout the house for my hidden Easter basket which would be filled to the rim with chocolate and sugar sweets.

Church attendance was a given – like every other Sunday – followed by a family picnic with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins galore.

In my adult life, with my own children, I loved carrying on some of those traditions.  I especially loved the sunrise service held at our church each year on Easter. It was also one of the rare Sundays that our church family would have breakfast together prior to Sunday school and the morning service.

I remember the music always being so grand on Easter Sunday.

“He has risen! He’s alive!” the choir would sing with trumpets and stringed instruments matching the pipe organ’s resplendence.

Easter was always just a glorious observation of celebrating our risen Lord and His victory over sin and death. This day, next to Christmas, is probably the most important day each year in the life of a Christian.

But when you live in a country where most people have never even heard the name of Jesus Christ, it is quite a different experience.

Easter morning here is the same as every morning. Our neighbors are busy going about their daily chores. The kids play in the street. The dogs lounge in their shady spots.

As we drive to church, there are no flowery crosses in church lawns. There are no Easter decorations to be seen anywhere. There are no Easter eggs and no colorful baskets being sold in stores. It’s just the usual traffic, backed up with horns honking. The monks walk in procession down the street on their way to the monastery. There is no Easter joy on the people’s faces or in their hearts, to be sure.

But then, I guess that’s why we’re here.

Our purpose in life is to share the Good News of Christ’s resurrection with those who are lost in darkness.

Even though they are missing out on the Easter celebrations now, it is my prayer that one day they will be celebrating around the foot of His throne in His eternal kingdom.

Over the last five years we have lived overseas, we have celebrated Easter in various places. We have worshipped with the local church and in house churches. We have gone to church in other countries. Today we decided we would attend the international church worship service in this city.

I was quite surprised when we arrived to find the hall overflowing with people. We even had to bring in plastic chairs to sit on in the back. I’m not sure if it’s a testament to how many foreigners are now living/visiting this city or if it’s a sign that His followers are growing in number in this place.

There was great music and the kids shared a special program. The only unusual thing was there was no preaching. Yes, you heard me right. There was no sermon.

I always thought Easter Sunday was the favorite day for pastors to preach because of the usually expanded crowds and the potential the share the Resurrection message to all in attendance. But apparently not here…

There were also no pretty Easter dresses or hats. I scoffed at first when the church’s youth leader asked for our girls to wear their youth group t-shirts for the Easter program this morning. But when we arrived and found everyone in jeans or shorts, I realized that it must just be my American culture expecting people to be dressed up for the service.

We did initiate a new family tradition this year. We held our own sunrise service on our roof this morning followed by a family breakfast of grits and eggs. We’re missing the delicious deer sausage our American church family will be eating with their breakfast, but it was still great none-the-less. And in some way it made us feel connected with our home church so far away.

Although I miss my family and I miss my church in America, mostly I’m thankful I live in a place where I am reminded of the value of Easter by contrast. Because the people here don’t know about Easter and don’t celebrate, it makes my own personal celebration even that much more meaningful. Because we have to be so intentional to make the day special, I’m reminded of Christ’s intentionality and His purpose for dying on the cross. Despite living in a place that’s lost and in darkness, we recognize the urgency to share His story and reflect the light of His victory through His resurrection on this Easter day.

I challenge you, don’t take Easter for granted.

Don’t merely whiz through the afternoon on a sugar high, eating chocolate and watching sports.

Don’t rush through your day in its busyness and merriment without taking time to consider the privilege you have in knowing His truth and being a recipient of His grace.

Thank God that you were born in a place where you have had the opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ and to know of His love for you.

Happy Easter!

Oh, the rollercoaster

Looking back over the past year, I can hardly believe all that we have seen and done.

We began 2015 in America in the small town of Columbia, Mississippi. We rang in the new year with good friends around a fire pit in the freezing cold watching fireworks while all the neighborhood kids ran around with sparklers. It was a magical beginning to an eventful year.

During the course of the first five months, as a family we visited Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Virginia. We even got to visit parts of Mississippi that we had never been to before. All the while, we were visiting with friends and family. We got to speak in more than 70 places to share about the good things happening in Yangon, Myanmar. It was quite the whirlwind.

From mid-May to mid-June, we just focused on family, soaking in every possible moment with our loved ones. One of the highlights of this time was the wedding of CJ’s brother, Joe, to his beautiful wife Lori. It was such a special time and we were so happy to be included in their festivities.

We arrived back in Southeast Asia on June 12.

We spent our first days back trying to find a new place to live. It was not a happy time and one that I don’t want to spend time reflecting back on. However, the Lord did bless us with a house that meets our family’s needs in the most perfect location, and that’s what we remember. We did learn a lot through the process as challenging as it was, and if anything we came out stronger and more grateful. ‘Nuff said.

Once we were in the new house and settled, we hit the ground running. We spent many of those early days back in Myanmar reconnecting with our local friends and spending time with our house groups and their leaders.

Also during our first month back, we had two new co-workers arrive, Leah and Julia, from Missouri. Not only have they been extremely dedicated and energetic in the “work” but they have also become like family to our girls and us.

We’ve also done a bit of traveling during these months back in this part of the world. We visited Nyaung Shwe and Taunggyi in Shan State as a family. Mia and I went with Leah and Julia to visit ancient Bagan and Mount Popa. Of course we’ve been to Bangkok, Thailand (where we have to go to renew our visas) but we also took a 20-year anniversary trip to Phuket. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

I got to go to a women’s conference at picturesque Inle Lake and then we had our “Serving the Servants” partner conference in Ngwe Saung at the beach in Myanmar. We’ve enjoyed the traveling and seeing new places in this amazing country where we live.

In the midst of all this, I started working on a Masters degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary through their distance learning program, and I’ve been homeschooling Zoë (in 10^th grade) and Miá (in 6^th grade.) I finished my semester with a 4.0 and the girls both made all A’s and B’s – although it was not easy, let me tell ‘ya!

We had some guests visit us in these last few weeks. John and Cheryl Blackmon spent a little over a week with us here in Yangon at the end of November. They brought us goodies from America and Christmas presents from our families. They even brought us Chick-Fil-A sandwiches! They worked alongside us and encouraged our brothers and sisters here. They reminded us of many back home who are interceding for us on a regular basis, and we were so uplifted by their time spent with us.

In December we had a Hispanic volunteer team come to help us with our Christmas “parties” that we would put on in places all over our city. 

Through time spent on our knees, CJ felt led by Father to do Christmas outreaches in 12 different places. When CJ first told me that he wanted to do 12, I thought he must be crazy. I can’t even begin to explain all the work, effort and preparation that goes into pulling even just one of these outreaches off. And he wanted to do 12!!

But with the help of the volunteer team, Leah and Julia, and our local friends and partners we did complete 12 Christmas outreach events. It was exhausting, but yet so amazing. Through these events we were able to share the Good News with more than 2500 people including more than 2000 first time hearers. Having just finished our 12^th event yesterday, I’m still in awe over it all. We saw many make decisions and some were even dunked. Because of such amazing response in one particular area, we have the beginnings of a new house group there. Talk about ending on a high note…

Looking forward to 2016, I just can’t imagine what all He has in store for us.

There are some things I’m praying for. I’m praying our family will be able to come visit us. I’m praying that more folks in America will feel burdened to come on short trips here. I’m praying that Father will send some people for a longer-term investment here.

Of course, I’m praying that more and more people in our city will come to know my Father and that new house groups would begin.

I’m praying for another successful term in seminary and for my girls’ schooling.

It looks like 2016 is going to include more traveling as well. Next week, Mia and I will be making a trip to Karen State and then our family is going to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a conference in mid-January.

Also each year, I pray for a theme-verse. I pray that Father would challenge me with a passage that I will continue to study and share and that I can focus on throughout the year. This year, Father has given me Psalm 86:11-12 which says, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” I am looking forward to examining the many aspects of this particular passage in the midst of other Good Book readings and discovering all that He might teach me in the coming year.

2016. Wow, how time flies.

But isn’t this amazing roller coaster of a life that He has given us so exciting? Ok, I know it’s not always exciting in a fun way. Sometimes there are really hard times that we have to go through. Even though I might not share them all, trust me, we’ve had more than our fair amount of challenges. But with every challenge, comes blessing. Psalm 84 concludes with “blessed is the man who trusts in you.”

Whatever comes in 2016, I will trust. I will trust and have faith.

The important thing is that we get on the roller coaster, right? We can’t just stand there waiting to get on board, we have to get in, strap on, and go. Where will your roller coaster take you? I promise that if you trust in Him, it will take you to places you’ve never imagined. Let’s go!