May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
These words that Paul penned to the Thessalonians come to them during a time of great trial and suffering. Paul encourages the church to stand firm and continue in what they have been taught because they are awaiting a reward far better than this life here on earth could give them. His words also encourage us as we continue to settle into our new home and way of life here in Manorom.
It has been one week since we stepped foot into Thailand and a completely different way of life. In many ways, I feel like the early Christians Paul wrote to, everything feels new and foreign (just like Christianity to the Thessalonians), but I am encouraged because God is using it all to make us more like him and to show his love to the people in our new town.
This past week, I have watched my children diligently set up their new rooms and unpack. They have bravely joined other children to play, even when they know very little of what is being said. They have shared how God is already answering their prayers, the sweet prayers of a child for a new pet to love or a friend who will play with them in the afternoons and evenings. Watching my children has encouraged my heart, showing me each day that this is what God is calling us to.
Each day, the Lord encourages my heart and gives me strength as I meet students and teachers and learn the ways of the school and what life in this new little town will be like. He is already at work showing us our place, even in the smallest of ways, as we gently settle into new rhythms and ways of life.
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