a longing for green things...

Shelli here...

Green is my favorite color. It was blue when I was a child, but somewhere along the way, it changed to green.

Maybe because it’s the color of money (I don’t think so)…maybe its because it’s the color of my eyes…maybe because it’s the color of veggies…maybe because its the color of my sweet loves pajama pants...maybe because it’s the color of spring and summer. I don’t know. But I simply love it.

Green represents growth.

Growth.



We’ve been here for nearly two years. Serving in ways that we never saw coming. Being a friend when it was needed. Stepping into roles we didn’t know we would. Caring for people we’ve never met before. Longing to see happy smiles again like these women above from 2007...instead of the current grimacing growls, snarls and sadness on peoples faces.

Some people probably assume that we’re out here looking at an end goal that includes “numbers” or “prayers said” or “salvation stories”….but as we look back on the past two years, we can honestly say that not a single one of those things have happened. Not one. And do we regret it? No.

Because something is growing here. Something bigger than we could have every imagined. Something MUCH bigger than “numbers”, “prayers said” and “salvation stories”.

As of right now, we have to sit back…pray about it…and watch what the Lord is doing.

“For such a time as this” has been going through my head a lot these days. “For such a time as this”.

Its like we’re on the brink of something HUGE AND GIGANTIC!!!!!!! But, for right now, its in the beginning stages of growth. And in HIS time, all things will be made right.

Green represents peace.

Peace.



This coming April will be the one year anniversary of the horrible earthquake that hit our heart spot; Yushu. (this photo above is from "pre-earthquake" Yushu). We've heard so many terribly sad stories from friends who have lost loved ones. Of those who have lost their homes. Of those who are being cheated by the government. Of those who...

In a time like this, what could we possibly offer these loved people? Clothing? sure. Food? sure. An ear to hear? yes. Just listen. But, what we ultimately want to offer them is peace.

Only peace. Christ's peace. His overwhelming peace that goes beyond any words. That goes beyond pain. That goes beyond this life. That goes beyond.

Green represents new life.

New life.



A child in a mothers womb. A bud on a dry brown tree. The smell of a baby puppy. Watching an egg start to wiggle and crack as new life emerges.

New life is what we hope for Yushu. New life is what they hope for. New life is what Christ IS. He is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.

As Yushu rebuilds, it will be as the baby chick coming out of the egg. Fragile. Broken. Wet. Fearful. But, seeking hope. Seeking new life.

Lord, use us.