Nona's Thoughts in Sri Lanka

Today is March 24th and Popa and I were able to spend the day at Mount Lavinia Hotel south of Colombo. It is a beautiful beach and the weather was perfect. We had a buffet breakfast and fish and chips for an early supper. We got too much sun! Our time here in Sri Lanka as been fabulous and we are sad to see our visit coming to an end. Popa and I have been playing Wii with the kiddos next door to the flat, oh what fun. Popa was quite exhuberant in his competitiveness this evening. While he played I went for a quick birthday visit for one of the pastor's wives. We had chocolate cake and a nice visit. The availability of products is quit surprising and life is actually quite enjoyable now that we have air conditioning to sleep with. We enjoyed a wonderful meal yesterday with our Sri Lankan family and then went for espresso with the eldest son and his wife. It is amazing to be old friends and to share the goodness of God with one another. One week from today we will begin our journey towards Oregon, where oh where has the month of March gone. My thougths today are simply about the faithfulness of my God, the true and living God! I am overwhelmed with HIS love for me and want to remind each of you that HE loves you. The travelling Nona.

Nona in Sri Lanka

Today is Monday, March 10, 2008. Popa and I are at People's Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka using their Wi-Fi, after using other modes of internet connection this is superb. I am also sitting in an air-conditioned office awaiting the morning tea. My oldest daughter is going to be disappointed as I cannot find the sweetner you hold between your teeth as you drink your tea. This has been an adventure of a lifetime. It has been amazing to return to this beautiful island after 24 years and meet old and new friends alike. My hair has begun to curl, I do not know whether this is good or bad or if it even matters. Popa is excited to be able to get a latte on a daily basis and we are enjoying the rice and curry. The traffic is horrible and that is putting it mildly. I just close my eyes and trust God to get us to our destination safely. The fact that has become crystal clear to me is that no matter where we go, God is there. His word says, HE will never leave us or forsake us and so we are always in HIS keeping. There is no better place to be than in the hands of our God. May you each one find time to reflect on HIS guidance in you own lives today. More from the travelling Nona later.

Thoughts from Sri Lanka

Today is March 3rd, 2008, we arrived back in Sri Lanka two days ago. It is a bit overwhelming to return after 20 something years. We have been emotionally challenged the last few days with memories and wonderings about what ifs. It is beautiful here, the palm trees and the beautiful flowers. The people are much as we remember. Those we knew are older just as we are older. It is the favor of God on our lives that allows us to be here. Popa has suffered daily with the heat and my leg has swollen to three times its normal size but these are physical trials that do not compare with all surpassing glory of our Lord. We are humbled to think God would ordain us to once again serve him for this month in Sri Lanka. I have so many thoughts I do not know what to share in this blog. We had three divine appointments enroute and felt God sustain us physically on the long journey. Our friend and interpreter from years ago has been serving in Lebanon for the past 10 years as a missionary with her husband; they will be returning to Sri Lanka in April. If they are coming the first part, we may extend our stay in order to see them. We are expectantly waiting on the direction of the Holy Spirit. Be encouraged God has plans for all of our lives, plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. More from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka later. love, Nona