sleep deprivation

Today's lectionary reading was 2 Cor including v 30: "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." This follows the litany of all of the bad stuff that Paul has been through! God reminds me that I don't always have to be the tough and ready traveler. It is okay to admit that although this trip is extremely good and I feel so blessed, it is also stretching beyond belief.
Last night I fell into bed exhausted at 11 pm to be woken up promptly at 4 am and pretty much remain awake the rest of the night. A friend, mentour, and another one of my adopted mother's, Linda Ruby, said once that if God wakes her up in the middle of the night she asks who He wants her to pray for. That has stuck with me. And years later as I begged for sleep last night I began to think and pray for many of you. Prayers for those sick and dying. Those who have surgury or need healing. Those of you that are getting married and starting a new life as well as those who are struggling with divorce in their family. I prayed for those discerning calls and those looking for jobs. I was reminded of those of you who worry about your children and those who worry about your parents. As so many of you came to my mind, I prayed; but I also thanked God for you as well. I thank God that my weakness of insomnia and jet lag can be used...I so often forget these lessons and God is gracious and brings me back.

It is also important to mention that I met with the Barry Jackson of Korea yesterday- Dr. Kim and I had a wonderful conversation that started with Christian mission but eventually covered the gamut of topics. Despite it being finals week and the myriad of work I could see all over his desk he gave his undivided attention. Finally we talked about where we need to start before we think about missions. After our discussion we both came to the conclusion that if we as the church (both the US and Korean Church) are not careful we may fall into grave mistakes. We need to go back to our roots of worship and prayer! How can we know God's will for us in mission if we are not in regular conversation. We as the American church need to reclaim this sacred conversation before we can ever hope to do missions, short or long term effectively. How providential that prayer seems to be the theme of the day.
Off to meet more people- I feel utterly blessed by my hosts! blessings!
beth