We have been in “survival” mode this past week. After traveling to the Vietnam border for our medical exams, we bought a few groceries at the market. Sadly, our power went out, which caused our food in the refrigerator to spoil! Our campus is pretty much a “ghost town” and we are the only people here. All of the food sources are closed because of Chinese New Year. It takes about 45 minutes to get into town because of our bus system and it costs about $2. Grocery store shelves are not fully stocked because of the holiday. Aside from a few scheduled dinner appointments with friends in town, we have stayed on campus. Cooking has been a challenge due to low food supply, not knowing how to really cook here, and only having a hot plate and a microwave available at home. Luckily they do not refrigerate eggs here. Needless to say, we have eaten LOTS of scrambled eggs and peanut butter sandwiches. Life here during this time of holiday is so different compared to what we are used to back home in Texas. We could hop in the car and go to Taco C or Whataburger (or anywhere else for that matter) any time we were hungry. We have been truly thankful for Father’s provision. He has taken care of our needs each day we’ve been here. He has showed us that food is designed for nourishment and we can be nourished on simple foods. It has been deeply humbling.
After a few days of feeling like survivors, our other coworker family in town invited us over for dinner. We took the bus into town, walked up the stairs, and saw… LASAGNA! It was raining blessings! This family has figured out how to cook many different meals with the ingredients available here in our town, plus they have a full-sized kitchen in their home. They answered so many of our questions and helped us feel more comfortable. They also sent us home with leftovers!!! Woo hoo! Now we are trying to figure out how we can bless them in return!
We know that we will continue to be survivors until the 25th of this month. Once school starts, campus will liven and we will have many food sources available without the need to travel into town.
We have also been reminded of the reality of warfare here. Because our town has grown over the last 9 years as we’ve known it, the enemy seems to show himself differently. His presence is masked by the development and busy commotion of our growing town. He is definitely still here... He lurks, schemes, and can attack when we least expect it.
It is detrimental to be covered in prayer. We pr for each other in His name. I’ve been reminded of the story in Mark chapter nine verses fourteen to thirty-two.
In verse twenty-nine, J said, "There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer."
Pryer is the only solution for warfare. Please continue to remember us as we face the enemy on the field.