African adventure

The first week on Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone has been exciting, fulfilling and somewhat overwhelming!

We happened to arrive during the week when the founders of Mercy Ships (Don & Deyon Stephens) and the international board were also on the ship for a board meeting, hence lots of inspiring presentations and exciting updates straight from the executives - which have left the volunteers deeply encouraged and honored to be part of God's loving intervention in Africa through Mercy Ships.

Coming back to Mercy Ships for the second time, it took little effort to integrate into the ship's culture on our arrival last Sunday after nearly 40 hours of travelling - long but definitely worth going the distance!
I did not realise how much I had missed this culture until I walked through the familiar gangway of the 7 decked 'floating hospital' and instantly felt connected to the unique community of Mercy Ships where you know most people didn't end up on the ship by mere accident but because God at some point stretched their faith and called them to this part of the world so deprived of hope and resources.

Travelling through the streets of Freetown (Capital of Sierra Leone), we were confronted by the lingering aftermath of civil wars and many years of government corruption which have left the citizens crippled in every way. I saw ditches and sewage drains filled with rubbish, children sleeping amongst the rubble, mothers with babies on their backs and bags of material on the tops of their heads that I can barely carry with both hands, mad drivers cutting through traffic and men with animals trying to navigate through everything and everyone on the road, all going in dfferent directions.

Amongst the crowd I saw many indifferent faces, but occassionally I see eyes pleading for compassion which remind me of the reality for many here - poverty that I can leave behind in a flight upon completing 2 weeks of service. Unfortunately this IS life for many here in Sierra Leone. While I thought I was doing a noble thing flying half a world to serve the poor, when I begin treating the Africans it became clear to me that I was the recipient of something precious that I could never give myself - fulfilment and purpose. Afterall, I am the one who is being fueled and renewed on the inside through serving in Sierra Leone. It feels like a compass finally finding it's North.

We began treating patients the day after we arrived and performed over 1000 extractions between the 4 dentists in only 5 days! The reality of having only 7 local dentists for the entire 6.4 million Sierra Leonians almost seems a little unbelievable, but the dental condition of most patients we saw proved the fact.
Though many times I found myself completely overwhelmed by the significant amount of treatment required for each patient we saw and am often exhausted physically from the continuous, non-stop, serial extractions, something in the eyes of the Sierra Leonians spoke to my heart and motivated me to keep going everytime I appracoh them with a prayer or smile. It's like a spark of hope that they have been longing for, and once again I count myself SO privileged being used by God as an instrument to inject hope and love to those in desperate situations.

To live and serve in Africa requires a lot of faith. Every morning I wake up to a very real world filled with intense suffering, hopelessness and injustice. If not for the grace of God sustaining all the work that goes on at Mercy Ships, many could've been defeated by the challenging conditions here.

His grace is sufficient.  The fact that we struggle and fall short actually qualifies us for it, because we were created to operate out of His grace in all that we do.

Anchor

The weekend away with hubby at Turon Gates over Easter has slowed me down to a pace where my mind can breath and my eyes are able to capture the beautiful things in life that would otherwise escape my sight as life is subject to the demands and pressure of city life.

While being surrounded by a calming stream in a thriving forest and being comforted by the rhythm of crackling firewood on a cold still night, every single star of the millions we sat under impressed my heart and stole my awe for my very own Creator, who in every single way reflects magnificence and extravagance.

The beauty and peace which nature promises refueled us from the inside out and proved once again the comfort we can always find in what's unchanging and constant - something that seems so hard to find in a post-modern world where everything is relative, fleeting and very temporal.

So much is promised and so many different options are given to humanity today, but unless we go through our own search for what is true - eternally true - and what will be the anchor of our soul,  we will only continue to coast and drift through life waiting for the next new option, new life style, new promise, new church to make us 'feel happier'and to help us escape the haunting emptiness on the inside.

Sitting under an impressive sight of the milky way on an autumn night, I'm reminded of God's Word and His wisdom which although ancient, has withstood the test of time and human knowledge. Like the Message Bible describes it - God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of His purpose. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It is not the the latest message but more likely the oldest - what God determined as the way to bring out  His best in us...1 Cor 2v6-10.

The Word of God anchors us in what's eternally true and unchanging despite the opinions and options of this world. It sets our hearts at rest when the world around pressures us in every way to speed through life and to conform to the latest, newest, and most popular - it promises so much yet does not satisfy the desire/thirst found deep within us. 

Ecc 3v11 "He has set eternity in the hearts of men..."

Until we awake to the reality of our desire for eternity and not just happy feelings, we will keep finding ourselves falling through the gaps of instant gratification, being disappointed and unfulfilled.

This is what I'm confident of - Everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to and nothing taken from His truth. God does it so that men will revere Him...Ecc 3v14.

ps. Thanks to my amazing hub who makes the best campfires so I can be nicely toasted as I ponder on God's greatness and wonders under the stars...

HOP-E

During our honeymoon to the Philippines early 2011, Vince and I had the privilege of spending few days with the founder of HOP-E (http://www.hop-e.org/) Ps JayJay and Ps RJay visiting the indigenous villages remote to Manila. 

The first hand experience of life for families trapped in poverty was heartbreaking. Kids eating only one meal a day, travelling to most places by foot and only ever get to wear donated clothes. Oral hygiene is a foreign concept to many and if unfortunately one falls sick, the family can only hope for the best. All of this make up the hard facts & statistics we read every day about third world countries (http://www.hop-e.org/articles2.php).

We were overwhelmed to see the stark contrast between the rich/glamorous part of Manila and the poorly resourced villages where families are only surviving on minimal. My mind had a hard time accepting the sad reality of inequality and the challenging living condition many young kids are confronted with. 

Fortunately, Jayjay and RJay saw the critical needs amongst the impoverished communities through a scavenging experience in 2007 which then led them to the God-inspired vision of bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. HOP-E foundation (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) was then officially established in 2008 with the goal of empowering the disadvantaged individuals through the four E's - Education, Employment, Empowerment and Events (for full mission statement of HOP-E please visit http://www.hop-e.org/aboutus.php)

One of HOP-E's current projects involves establishing learning centers throughout the indigenous villages in Pintong Bukawe. These centers cater mainly for kids who live too far from government funded schools and offer the opportunity to be educated and equipped with self-sustaining skills (eg. farming and domestic skills) hence allowing the kids to escape the viscous cycle of poverty.

Our personal visit to the learning centers and the prospective organic plantation site has helped us to realize the enormous potential that exists within the helpless and needly when given only a little bit of resource and the equal opportunity to be educated.

Vince and I are deeply inspired by the impact HOP-E has already made in Pintong Bukawe simply because two very courageous men put their hands up to a God-size dream. We know that the work of HOP-E has merely begun and if anything the projects are everything BUT done. HOP-E will require the help and sweat of every willing and faithful individual to see the big picture unfold and visions actualized at God's timing. 

It is very exciting to be part of something worthwhile and life-changing. We don't know where will the stirring in our hearts eventually lead us, but upon finding out that what we raised with our families and friends at our wedding allowed HOP-E to secure the church building "A Place Of Hope" in Pintong Bukawe which is now a home and shelter to many in the villages, we are reminded again of the greatness of our God who is behind every miracle and great commission. 

We are just so encouraged in our hearts to continue to invest our prayers, time and finance into such vision that is literally changing the lives of many children everyday.

If you are stirred in your hearts in any way after reading this blog, consider the possibility that you can also make a difference too! Please contact us at claireandvince@gmail.com to find out more about how you can play a part in supporting the HOP-E initiatives. 

For our photos please visit http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=327068&id=632370560

Introducing FREEDOM!

Last weekend away with family at Auckland was well spent. I've been so enriched in every way after hanging out with the most amazing human being on earth! Yeh, my family is awesome and always will be a source of inspiration to me. I love how mum & dad never stop being an example of wise, selfless parents/parents-in-law to us also how Mich steps into this new season of being a mum with such a champion spirit. The moments I got to witness how my family live out their convictions are truely priceless.

After 2 weeks of waiting, I got to meet the little munchkin Freedom for the first time who is absolutely sensational! When I looked at his little face of 2 weeks old I can't help but think of the Psalmist's beautiful description of God's masterpiece - humanity - as "fearfully and wonderfully made", in His own image.
Indeed every detail I observed on the delicate face and body of my little nephew reflects the absolute precision and perfection of God.

We spent the weekend celebrating yet another CNY together as a family also the "wonders and miracles" within our family, including the new addition to the Tongas, the Hookers' first pregnancy also Aaron & Tracy's wedding which is only few weeks away.

It was in the midst of our celebration God reminded me that He is no less powerful, good & faithful in this season of joy as He is in the midst of our struggles. He IS afterall the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We all know it is easiler to see the greatness and beauty of God when our circumstances encourage the feeling of happiness and gratitude. However, I have not forgotten that He who came and walked amongst us dressed in human flesh also gave His precious Spirit to us to empower us to maintain a posture of gratefulness and praise in every seasons of life - even when our external world does not change for the better.

Most importantly, He who is constant in His characters and eternal in His nature is also - LOVE.
God is love. Love never fails.

I can't finish this blog without showing off this handsome boy, so here you go!

The best is yet to come!

One week after the most inredible day of my life I now find myself a happliy married woman spoilt with love :) Im reminded every morning when I wake up how good God has been to V&I giving us each other.

V is already demonstrating lots of good husband qualities and though marriage does present it's own challenges & more opportunities to iron out our differences we do make sure that we have lots of fun along the way and laugh often in between hard conversations which Im sure every newly wed couples will have to learn to navigate through. God's been so gracious towards us in so many ways helping us to stretch constructively in this new phase of life & bringing the right couples to support us as well as share their wisdom with us. Im now so much more in love with Vince than ever before, it's so great to have a husband around the house and even better I no longer have to catch MASSIVE spiders & kill mossies at night coz V does it all!

We had Vince's family with us in our little crib in Rosebery for the first few days after the wedding, it turned out to be an enjoyable time for all of us so guess I didn't need to stress afterall since his family was of much fun to be with especially his 1yr old nephew Nathan who is just so adorable!

We are looking forward to our honeymoon in Jan and can't wait to meet the kids in the Phillipines who will get to goto school coz of the generous giving from our guests at the wedding. We raised nearly $3000 for the Hop-e project, V&I felt so privileged to be entrusted with much and are prompted to top it up to whatever amount for 50 kids to be put through the learning program next year. We are definitely feeling the stretch financially especially after we sat down with the ANZ financial planner last week to talk about our long term financial plans but God has been nothing but faithful in His provision for us as a young couple and it seems the more we give out of a place of gratitude the more He meets our needs in the most unexpected ways.
We are so overwhelmed by the very nature of God and the evidence of His faithfulness that He does not withhold good from those who love Him.

It was so good to be back to church again this morning after being away for a week. Im excited about getting His house ready for the christmas production coming up next weekend which is going be WICKED! Lots of exiting things happening @ Hillsong throughout next weekend including Christmas Spectacular (St&Sun) and Christmas Festival on Dank St (Sun)! Anyone who is around Sydney next weekend don't forget to come along and be part of the celebration! For more info please visit http://myhillsong.com/christmasspec!

Where is your heart?

After reading John Temple's thoughts on the contrasts between World vs God's view on money, I've been thinking a lot about the idea of 'stewardship' in the context of what God originally intended when He 'placed Adam in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

The revelation for me here is that everything on earth is on loan to us, EVERYTHING. Including our time, possessions, business affair, money and much more that we consider as our belongings.
Adam didn't 'make' the garden thus considering it 'his own'. It was entrusted to him to maintain and manage.

Somewhere along the line humanity seem to have forgotten the principle behind His timeless reminder for the Old Testament nation of Israel "Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, and it is this day." Deuteronomy 8V17-18.

No doubt it's easier for us to consider everything that we have or worked hard for - cars, house, career, income, holidays...etc as OURS - so the world tells us. The culture driven by consumerism is clearly reflected in the unstable economy of 21st century as people engage in a lifestyle that features increasing need/greed to consum more, live better life and spend over/above the necessities - all for one's own pleasure.

Why does our world still hunger for more when 80% of the population in the First World Countries are ranking at world's top 20% for quality of life? I can't help but notice the crazy reality that most people are more than willing to invest their treasure and hearts into what doesn't satisfy their soul, because if it did they will not be left still craving for more while living in abundance.
Jesus said "where your treausre is there your heart will be also" Matthew 6v21. Are we just naive or are we insane to give our hearts away like that?

Proverbs 30v8 reminds me that neither rich or poor is the issue but what's true and always will be is that God is faithful in providing for our daily needs. Infact, any one who walks with God is already filled with the richness of His promises, wisdom and love - and these are the treasures that we will carry into eternity when the temporary in this world fades.

It's only when people fully undertstand their purpose by design that they are enpowered to live as Paul encouraged in his letters to the Ephesians church "to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasuare [in heaven] for themselves as a foundation for the future" 1 Tim 6v18-19.

Seeing human nature, and therefore ourselves, as capable of so much MORE

The past few weeks has been a bit of a stretch in my trust & confidence in God's unfailing character and guidance as V&I prepare ourselves for a lifetime of sharing our faith, hearts, dreams and goals together.

We are not surprised that sometimes what we pictured in our mind of 'doing life together' actually looks quite different in the context of reality, where we experience the challenges ALSO the rewards of negotiating our way through our differences to find the safe common ground where can defend each other against the problems/external pressure we face rather than being defensive towards each other .

In Growing great marriages by Ian & Mary Grant, the authors talked about the importance of getting the right tools for resolving conflicts as couples can become unhelpfully defensive as their preferred 'safe option' when differences arise, and from there onwards they are no longer fighting about 'the issue'but they are fighting for deeper unresolved issues of their own significance.

Felt like the light bulb suddenly lit up as I munch through the insights & wisdom from the couple who have been married for over 40yrs. What I realised was that maybe afterall couples experience disagreement and conflicts not because they are so stubborn in their differing opinions but because they need reassurance from their important other half of their significance, especially when there is a seperation in their ideas & goals.

It's only less than two months till our wedding day and what God slowly peels away in meantime has given us a glimpse of the raw ingredients necessary for building a strong & healthy marriage, starting from love for God, respect, interdependence, ability to compromise, forgiveness, desiring the best for our marriage/partner, understanding each other's need and meeting them...and the list grows with our willingness to grow :)

End of the day it's hard to explain the miracle of two human beings wired up so differently staying & growing together through the changing season/cycles of life except the fact that the crazy idea of marriage was originally from God. Its in the context of marriage where God intended to bring the best out of humanity also in our limitation to love one another unconditionally that we may finally recognise the value of His perfect love for humanity and be humbled & encouraged by His example.
"...First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first." 1 John 4v19 (msg)

"Positive conversations are like seeds that germinate to create belief and expectation. So what we plan is what will grown. Engage in spirited discussion, without putting each other down. Enjoy the cut and thrust of your differeing opinions and perspective. Think of each other as a valuable recource for ideas." - Ian & Mary Grant.
**Highly recommend Growing great marriages for practical wisdom & tools for drawing out the best of relationships!