Paradox

Last week was a wonderful missions conference at Lakeside EC Church. During the Wednesday brunch, Hannah and Samuel shared some of the things they learned at cross-cultural training. The one thing of great impact to them was gaining a new understanding of the word "paradox". As they put it, "Without any good-byes, you can't have any new hellos." As we approach those sad times of good-bye in Pennsylvania, as well as the happy hellos in Costa Rica, would you please pray for us? I (Lisa) recently read this excerpt from "The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions":

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up

that to be low is to be high

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Please pray for us that we learn all He has for us as we learn by paradox. Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of our family.