Waiting, Serving, Remembering

I must start by wishing my sister Joanne a very happy birthday! Thank you for all the love and support you have given me this past year. Your kindness and generosity are amazing.

My lack of blogging is due to busyness with a passion I have not yet written about. When I was still in the army I worked in a lab that was mostly Chinese Americans. I think this was the beginning of my love for Asian people and culture. While in Florida I became interested in praying for both China and North Korea, however I found it difficult to be consistent in praying by myself. At the same time as my interest was developing, one of my very good friends here in Maryland had also been given a heart for North Korea. The Lord had laid it on my heart to ask her when we arrived here in Maryland about holding a prayer meeting for North Korea at my house. When I did, it turned out to be the answer to her prayers. We decided to start holding prayer meetings and other events to raise awareness about what is going on in North Korea. Our first event was a screening of the movie Crossing in August. I also began attending prayer meetings with an organization that helps North Korean refugees in South Korea and in the U.S. This month has been packed with different events to raise awareness, prayer meetings, and preparations for a retreat this weekend. I feel so blessed to be a part of this work. I have seen how the Lord has begun to redeem the most painful experiences of my life and use them for good as preparation for this work. North Korea is listed as the #1 nation for persecution of Christians. They are also considered the worst human rights violating nation in the world. For those who are interested in learning more about the human rights situation in North Korea, here are a few great sites:

North Korea Freedom Coalition

Liberty in North Korea (LiNK)

Global Justice Prayer Network

Please say a prayer for our retreat this weekend.

In other news my stepmom has been in town for work and so I have been enjoying time with her. She and my dad will be returning for a wedding the weekend of the 24^th. October is turning out to be a very busy month. I actually had to write this at work (something I never do) just to be able to post something.

The leaves are changing here and I am loving the fall weather. This is my favorite time of year. However, it is a hard time of year to be without children. The pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides, and kids dressed up in costumes are things I dream about experiencing. I continue to bring this desire before the Lord asking Him to intervene. But at the same time I pray for His will to be done. Waiting is so hard. Know that I am praying for all of you who are waiting with me.

I am also remembering all of you who have lost little ones today. For those who may not know today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

I'll be back in touch next week.