Why Me? Why Vietnam?

Now is the time to look to the future as I have returned home. What did I do to honor God?  Was my actions witnessing Christ like or did I display sour fruit that they will reject? This questions I was sure I could answer. No I cannot answer these questions only HE can .

  Why did I go to Vietnam?  After so many years filled with anger for those people I did no know or understand and they had  forgiven me long ago. I was silent and closed myself into something I didn't  understand as with all things it only escelated over time. This I would not share with my family but, inside something had to take place.  Finally it was time for answers, the only person who could help me I never asked but, He delivered the answer, my answer was yes I will go, not even considering what I may encounter upon arrival.

 Arrival was a very unique feeling, no negative feelings,thoughts or fears everything was filled with :LOVE and smiles. As the days came and passed my bond was true I loved those people as they loved me. Why did I go? My answers are many, first to honor God, remember He delivered the answer and I never ask the question. Second missions are designed for healing. God intended to heal all wounds for all.

   Many wounds were attended,   first, medical/dental care were offered to many childern and adults.  Mission members gave their time and resources because of ther love for God and people,
 Much financial resources are being used continuing medical healing through the future.
 Ministry through  example of actions and words, Minestry through medical missions is still at work in Vietnam  through  the underground church pastors.
As I remember those hands reaching to all with love asking for love in return,
Was it medical issues that brought them to meet VWAM team?  Probably so but, that also opened
the door of hope to many. Most patients were invited through church pastors.
There are many success stories, each person can share a special occurance for them, each indivudial left Vietnam with more than they arrived with, as for myself, my experiences was much more than I imiganized. My cup was filled many times as there were nothing more personal and rewarding than being a witness to a young lady who accepted Christ as her Savior (this action began in 1968 before she was born)  Does this sound familier to another Book?  Jeremiah 1:5
Although this mission is complete as I look back I know it has only begun.  Was  flesh or spirit displayed?
We must remember it wasn't about the people of Vietnam or Vets With A Mission it was honoring
God and in building His Kingdom.

At present I must listen, what will be my next oppurnity to step out for Him? What can I do physically and spiritually that displays actions that honors or adds to God's Kingdom?
This has been the most rewarding move in my life  my relationship,  His invitation, listen and hear His message, believe that I can adjust my resources and time and obey for the experience He had provided.
Thanks to all  for who chose fellowship through the prayer chain.

Thoughts from the day...and prayer focus for Friday...

As I was strolling on the beach this afternoon sand crabs and tub boats let me reflect back to memories from the past
just tw
Tub boat pushing out to sea - same as refurages

Construction everywhere - success or failure?
o thoughts were entered to the present as I have always wondered really why were we here.one thing I do recall
we were not prepared as training wasn't  about them, their love and smiles only that everyone was very bad, how wrong
they were. America and all could learn much from Vietemese love and wonderful smiles. As progress is certain my prayer is
only take the good  and leave bad as thay are want to be like Americans, that scares me.

Sand crab diggin  in for cover - they wish we were not here  they are searching for protection


Depression from the past?

Opression from the past, present and future

Will ecomonic growing cause more distance between those we came to serve or can the follow and grow also?

Was seeds planted to produce Great Fruit?

Will anyone water those seeds ?

Will they be protected? Yes

AS one seed begins to grow it SHALL connect and be example by example and more will follow

This I am positive for we all are here because we were chosen 

This isn't my opinion.

Why am I here?   (crazy question)

Will all these smiles and love remaim?

Medical, physicall or financal it is all love only if presented with love.

These questions will remain.  Until ?

Now  as I prepare to leave I can always remember for one time in my life this was not me it was through HIM.

In His protection


Prayer focus for Friday
30 – Friday

Breakfast at Furama? Check out of hotel at 6:15 a.m. and take Furama buses to airport; Flight to SGN (domestic terminal) at 8:05 a.m. arriving in SGN at 9:30 a.m.; walk (10 minutes with your luggage cart) to International Terminal to make connection for flight to the US at 12:45 p.m.; arrive San Francisco approximately 3:30 p.m.; Optional overnight and leave the next morning for home airport (Saturday, May 1) or continue on to home airport on a “Red-Eye” flight on Friday, April 30.

Friday, April 30th through Saturday, May 1st Team Travel Days
· Pray for safe travel as most of the team leaves Da Nang this morning for San Francisco via Saigon and Taipei, Taiwan.
· Many will travel long-distances to return to such places as Vancouver, BC, Canada and even to the East Coast of the US.
· Other team members will remain overnight in San Francisco and continue on home Saturday, May 1.
· Pray for the teams health and wellness and the ability to fight off fatigue and jet lag.
· That all flights run on schedule, connections are made easily, and that all baggage arrives home with team members.
· Pray that Sunday, May 2, will truly be a “Day of Rest” for team members.
· That the physical condition of the team will be one of good health and stamina as they return to work on Monday, May 3.
· Pray that we as a team we will be able to share what God has done in Vietnam with clarity and completeness so that He
will receive all the glory, honor, and praise that He deserves.

LEAVING TOMARROW

Tomarrow 6:15 we will be on a bus headed for Denang airport flying to Saigon (HMC) transfurring to international flight on EVA airline then to Tiapie next will be longest leg of flight as we return to SFO

We arrive  late,  I will be staying in SFO will arrive at Lexington 9:25 on Saturday evening It may be late
as I arrive home so Sunday I will see most of you.
  This morning we (7) visited Monkey Mountain didn,t see any monkeys but Robert has many memories
as he had served there, it is located above the sea at Danang very beautiful here.
  Chuck led morning devotion this morning  very personal to all the team
Now I am ready to come home

LOVE IS THE SAME EVERWHERE

We have arrived at Danang's  China Beach, Resort. another very long day we start early Devotion  this morning was led by Emily Simmons all the devotions are well prepared some devotions begin many years ago , could these devotions be connected to the past?  If in doubt see Jeremiah 29:11( the plan for you )     For me 1968-69 wasn't good at best  (until now)  at that time I was very homesick, scared, total darkness and total silance and alone not all the time but each time was more than enough  now I'm aware why all those things were to be.

    Picutured is Debbie needle in hand Jeff with one of his special boys 

Minor  foot surgery,  this kid was a special patient down sendrome

 Also 18 month old baby,  leg was broken in delivery this kid was lost in lack of technology or compation.  the body  has consumes the bone  LAST PHRASE  TONIGHT ALL NEEDS SOMEONE TO HOLD THEM and LOVE THEM

  

    

A reason to complain? Think again...

Marble Mountain

Visit VWAM for pictures and info. of Marble Mountain.

Friendship....

In case you haven't checked the VWAM blog in a few days, there is a wonderful post from this meeting.

Prayer focus for Tuesday - Thursday

Tuesday, April 27th through Thursday, April 29th Team Travel Day and R&R
· Safety and protection as the team travels to Da Nang from Dong Ha.
· Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the finals team meetings and devotions during this time.
· That team members enjoy good health and safe excursions during this time in Da Nang, Hoi An, and the area.
· Pray that the veterans being honored the last evening in Da Nang will experience closure and appreciation for their service during the Vietnam War.

LOST BLOG MESSAGE

My skills and power outages I lost thirty minutes of trying to type
tomarrow we travel to marble mountain research for  more information, then stopping in Hue to eat before we arrive at Danangs China Beach. Now I believe I am exhausted physicall no stopping now
I'm afraid I could miss something  I may me too exhausted to  share. For many experiences 
today we walked a bit visiting around the DMZ  places were Hill 544, Camp Carroll, Razor
back mountain, and  Kehi Son mountian  Gee but did emotions spill everywhere as each
Veteran that wanted or could share their story at that sight we were able to visit the  air strip
at the later place  also some wanted to stop at roadside MALL sure was not wolly world
We were honored guest from local high school two at each table they were practicing english
skills these girls treat me really bad  I like that

ONLY THE BEGINNING

Wonderful news that guest were at church sunday,  We will be with him all through the surgery
this in only the beginning for him and Him  It is very important that we show our love at this important
part of this life it will be vary difficult  for hin to accept all the love that will be reaching to share
Thanks for the update

miss you...

A letter from a new friend - what a blessing!


Dear Mr.JC
How are you today? How about your trip? Is it funny? I guess you enjoy the time going around so much. this morning I took part in the interview of recruiting volunteers for Hue festival in June. I hope to be chosen because this may be my last chance to join. After that, I went to Water Puppetry Theater to join with my friend and children at New Life Language Center. You know, most of  the children come from rich families, they are raised in good conditions with beautiful clothes, good health, care from parents, etc. When i see them, suddenly i think of other children who i have met at orphanages, who are from poor families. They are very different. I  wish to do something to balance the difference, or at least help poor children to have a chance to go to school, good health, and good care. We do have organizations like UNICEF, but we still cannot reach every corner of life. I know, it's not somebody's fault, i just wish to do more. Here is a video i wish you to see. I see so much value of what I have now. I don't have a motor bike, How about the people who event don't have a bicycle? I don't have beautiful clothes, how about the ones who don't have clothes to wear?. I'm luckier than many many people. My difficulty is nothing to others', but they still survive,and overcome, so why can't I? It's time for me to stop complaining for what i don't have.
 Mr.JC, I do miss you. Hope to see you again.
Best regards
Huyen

NEW PLACES NEW FACES

Well guess what I was wrong again there is internet connection here as I
attempt to better my spelling typing or just slow down. My fingers will not maintain the speed I think and here it is really fast.
It took two and one half hours to travel up here, this afternoon we were able to visit a location where many Americans lost their life we also visited the location where bridge was destroyed that seperated the North from South,
This location and touring the DMZ has no significant meaning to me like
the LONG BINH, BIEN HOA and the Saigon area where the Christina Noble Foundation is located. Since visiting CNF admiring Christinas calling and I put THAT SHIRT ON so many of this group want more information concerning her dream (which she cannot say Devine calling in Vietnam)
Wanna hear highlights from this morning meeting well, it lasted
two hours those in attendance were the present party,  former (VC)viet cong solders  (NVA) north viet nam regular solders (VWAM) Vets with a Mission) a one person from some other americal organization and
you wouldn't believe this nut    this type can create problems for everyone
I already miss those little kids (we play good together) Oh I have my own hair bow, maybe I show you it's .very very special WANNA SEE IT???
Now I have another room person  Dave V. we both talk a bit
Did I tell you concerning the picture at Mr. Cu resturant (almost famous phographer) I was prompted to move to the other side by Bob (one of the founders) that seated my beside Dr. Simmons at that exact moment we both looked at he pictures on the wall
at that exact time we looked at each other saying "we saw her in the clinic
today" after talking with Mr Cu it was true he took that picture a couple months ago how awsom and I have a copy
Bad part now I don't remember how to add pictures to blog I try the link
thing and it ask http who is that?


in HIS protection
jc

LISTEN and HEAR

As I was reviewing this blog  I ponder, how much
is really enough not $$$$$$$$ not success from the outside but through the inside. . If only we listened or do what we really hear and follow His command.  As I was reviewing the other blog i see the little girl with hair bow she was very proud I do remenber her and the mother was my actions planted as a seed to grow great fruit or only wild plants for no purpose
 Yes some time we need to yell loud but most of the time I have spoken before they see me
Girl thanks for blog and keeing it updated and links to VWAM blog
Now it is time to travel again so can I travel
speechless with LOVE sowing Great seed to HARVEST
SO CLIMB ON THE SHIP OF HAPPINESS
We will have no e-mail from now until we arrive at China Beach

in HIS protection
jc

Prayer focus for Sunday - Tuesday

Sunday, April 25 through Tuesday, April 27th Travel Days & Touring
· That the team enjoys safe travel during their excursions in Hue City.
· Pray for safe travel for team members Quyen Thi Tran Williams and Joette Ward who travel to Da Nang.
· That team members will remain in good health during this time off from work.
· That team member’s who are veterans will have positive experiences visiting the places where they served in the war.
· Pray for safety and protection as the team travels to Dong Ha, Quang Tri Province, and goes on various tour outings.
· That the door of ministry might be opened within the team and to those they come in contact with.

VWAM Blog

Here's a link to the other blog (some great pics).

Thuy Chau Clinic

Clinic work completed

Yes the clinic will be vacant until Vets with a Missions returns we have delivered so much physical
STUFF, sow many many seeds and have Harvested.
As I ponder tonight I  know there is so much more to do here. All was needed  now we must wait for more Harvest.
We have sown  many seeds and watered them well the rest I cannot control .
Seems very awkward to be in a  position out of control
but being out of control is most likely when we are in His control.
I reflect back To December 2008 when stepping out wasn't a option only a command will I fall or will I
climb, today I am very very sure I am going in the correct direction sure wish everyone  would come
with us.
Today very long day we returned to hotel after dark.still need to pack, shower we travel tomarrow
Oh, the Vets are invited to a high level meeting tomarrow morning  at the police station with the Vietemese police and former emeny soldiers, not sure how I will fill face to face in the same room with people who tried to kill each other years ago,  please let me forgive them and myself. I must forgive inorder to hill.
I almost created real confusion today at the clinic as I would go into croud and play with the children also bring them candy gifts and more hair bows those little fellows almost pulled or pushed me to the ground many times sure had a good time with them
Today I delivered a special gift for a special need. The gift, was an obidence gift sent from one of His messangers

in His protection
jc

Prayer Focus for Saturday

Saturday, April 24th Pack Up & Finish Work
· Pray that every person who needed to be seen was indeed seen at the clinics.
· That the exit from the clinic would be orderly for team members and uneventful for the Vietnamese.
· Pray for safety as the team completes its last day of clinic services, distributes supplies, and packs up equipment.
· That all patients who received surgery and hospitalizations will recover without complications.
· Pray for the health of the team that they will enjoy adequate rest and relaxation after this period of intense work.
· That the translators/Interpreters will have been influenced toward the Gospel and will have established genuine friendships
with team members.

LOVE SAME SAME part 2

Concerning the childs leg  yes,  many contacts, were made all attempts were exhausted for medical service the team does not know of any treatment from any country to help this childs condition BUT don't give up yet someones phone is probly ringing as you read this. 
Many  other services have been provided several heart surgerys  eyes as well as ?? other services. Several wheel chairs ,eye glasses, also x-ray and scans for diognosis.
Today amoung the many smiles and thank you the most important may be spoken without words I love to communicate thay way
I pray my speechless words have such a positive connection and the people young and old will want some
 One more day at the clinic I wonder what He has in store for me tomarrow
I ate at the resturant here in hotel tonight only cost 300.300 dong
money/dong I haven't a clue as I purchase I hold out the dong and tell then to pick all that is need or all they want. I'm sure all has been correct
Guess what or who gets to hold all those babies ME DO
We get started early as this clinic it is farther from the hotel we leave here at 7:00 am    also we travel back to town for lunch.
The Vietemise people take a short nap at lunch anyway that gives us travel time,   at the first clinic one day our lunch was delivered.
I wasn't present for team meeting/devotion this morning since Jeffs
flight ticket has to be printed from this e-mail address
Oh someone or all call Jeff Sunday morning don't weant him to miss church service as for me promise I see you May 2
Get ready I may want to talk a bit in case you like to know yes I may have some pictures also with each picture maybe a story after this experience now and from the past it will be necessary to combine them together for completeness.
Old experiences never last they can all be erased or written over as the present was yesterdays future what will my future be what will your future be or how long will our present last. The past that is what matters most what we have done with our past will determing our future so today present, and into the future I have committed obidence to listen hear and follow the direction given that is my committment to Him
Each day we all draw closer by sharing out personal experience. 

LOVE SAME SAME

Sure wish I could communicate love with the feelings as it happens each day as we see patients.
Not only was I picked by Him for this trip but each on of us were, it all fits. can't understand why it took so
long to see.
Today not so good with emotions 18 month child has broken leg since birth Dr. Simmons had patient exrayed 2 different times. There is no medical help availabe in Vietnam for this child, the flesh has absorbed the bone, we shed many tears as we embraced with the parent explaining the options for the child.
I have given 100's hair bows to the children and some mothers young and old, most of the times I wear bows
so they remove them smiling and we put those bows in their hair. I'm not crazy doing this I only want to be involved with happiness, love and smiles.
After the descussion with the parents I was able to put two bows in mothers hair and recieved a huge hug. This family has little future for a healthy child. But for today there was a huge smile with laughter at least for a few seconds. I fill those parents understood that our compation was really a way to communicate as we needed to share our feelings (u no) As I mentioned earlier how much can a jar hold  I'm not concerned what will come out of this jar
 I'm thinking you like pictures. I got um, see can I get u some
 Oh how great He is

in His protection
jc

Vietemese resturant this evening

Jeffs last day and it was T total Vietemese food. Ten of the team ate at Vietemese restuarnt including some translators we were honored to have them as guides.   That wasn't enough, on to the desert place several blocks up the stree,  we set on little small stools on sidewalk, ordered from many pots (they were setting on what looked like a sheet of plywood) probably minimun 24  pots it was very delicious I didn't use and ice all others did.  Jeff was afraid to eat there he is leaving in the morning and food can cause stomach problems.
 After eating I noticed  they were washing dishes beside the building with 2 dish pans setting where rain drops fall from roof.        Tomarrow we will know?????????

The traffic here uuh it's okay with me others don't breath much  riding after dark in taxi well that is an experience and that is why I am here.