Asking and Receiving

I haven't figured out that fine line that differentiates asking and receiving from asking and being rude. I've erred on both sides, but more frequently on the latter I would say. Nonetheless, I know that if I DON'T ask, I WON'T receive, so I persist.

A great example arose this weekend when I decided that a sunny weekend in western Washington was a terrible thing to waste studying, so I took off on Saturday for destinations previously unknown. I found myself hiking alongside a mountain stream punctuated by two impressive and one not-so-impressive waterfalls crashing through a forest of large evergreens. It was a peaceful and enchanting place.

The asking came when I realized that the picture of a tent with a circle-slash over it might apply to me. I inquired at the park manager office and found to my delight that I would be able to camp in certain areas of the park if I wasn't too obnoxious. What could have been merely a beautiful day hike turned to a wonderful solitary experience and some long-overdue time spent with my Creator.

This came on the coattails of procuring three tickets outside the door to a sold-out Jimmy Eat World concert earlier in the week. I had prayed that morning for friends to hang out with and ended up helping out a few friends who also were trying to get tickets. I was thankful to God for working through all things.

The following Sunday rocked me. I found a church. The music made me feel at home (Jars of Clay's "Hymn") and the message was all about God's tough love. He lets us experience the consequences of our actions, even when our actions lead us away from Him. Graciously, He is always there to receive us and help us when we decide to return.

A Random Assortment of Unrelated... stuff

I just got my ticket today for Thanksgiving... in Texas. It's kind of weird that I can go home to Alaska but I'm heading south. I guess that just means there are a bunch of people I love down there. I'm really looking forward to seeing all of them, both family and friends.

It's been weird settling into a city. I find it incredibly easy here to be surrounded by people, but not really know anyone. Acquaintances have always been difficult for me... not quite a stranger, yet not quite a friend. I've always been one for either meaningful relationship, or temporary interaction. On that note, I'm incredibly thankful for moving down here with 9 good friends from last year. Alaska WWAMI rules!!

Today made me realize it's about time to grow up. There were several factors that kind of converged at one time, giving me the epiphany that life requires discipline and determination. It also requires sensitivity to others' needs, and no matter how much I wish everyone would just be open and honest, that's not life. Sometimes, you have to play by societal rules and not take people at their word. You have to play the game of "guess what I'm REALLY thinking." Okay. I give. I'll play.

I realized that so much of the Word talks about us being righteous. Not that we don't have all the freedom in the world, but that application of that freedom looks a lot like legalism. We don't do things because they are rules, but because of how they impact our character and identity. In order to experience true freedom, we cannot separate our actions from our ideals. Everything must work together. Here's where the rubber meets the road.

We have all been given the capacity to do a lot with our lives, the time I have on Earth. I have the freedom to waste that time or to invest that time. I want to use my time wisely, to do well in school, to invest in other people, to serve and to enjoy the world God has given us.

I will never abandon some of my child-like behavior, but I am resolved to abandon childish behavior. I am resolved to give more than I take and to love more than I am loved. That's a tall order, but it's time to grow up.

2 down...

Dermatology and endocrinology.

Fast and furious for a few weeks and those classes are nothing but fond memories. I've finished both of those finals now (passed) and am now sorting out pharmacology, cardiovascular, urinary system and clinical medicine. It's hard to believe that classroom instruction in those areas is done. Sure I'll attend lectures and learn hands-on, but the good majority of my learning in those fields is done.

I feel like some one should come tell me that I haven't learned enough and I'll have to take the classes again. But I passed. And somewhat convincingly.

I'm a little excited about that, and it's nice to move on to new subjects.

That's pretty much it. It's just weird to be finishing classes already.

The final chapter on Daniel (in the Ecuador saga anyway)

Monday, October 1, 2007

Dear All,

As most of you will remember, at 4:30am on Monday, July 2, 2007, I got a phone call that rocked our world. I assumed it was from Africa where Eddie was doing mission work in Chimala, Tanzania with his brother Bill and Bill's wife, Cyndi. Instead I was stunned to hear it was Ross Baldwin in South America where he and our son Daniel were doing mission work in Ecuador. Ross was calling to tell me that Daniel was going to be ok, he had been shot in the stomach a couple of hours ago and was in surgery at that time. After a brief conversation (what is there to say at a time like that?) I prayed with Ross, especially asking for Daniel's complete recovery.

Well, we are more than grateful to our God above to say that our prayers (and yours) have been answered in a mighty way. Daniel headed out with the majority of his earthly belonging in his black Hyundai (that he is going to work on buying back from us -- its a long story) from Arlington after eating spicy Mexican food with Eddie and I at Taco Cabana at 1:30pm today. He headed to his new place to live in Abilene,Texas, almost exactly 3 months from that life changing day in July. After 3 surgeries and many adventures, we believe only 3 months is an incredible recovery.

Why now? We are so thankful to say that Daniel had his last medical visit on Thursday. The hole in his back has healed. His shingles healed up weeks ago. He is completely released from all doctors. Praise God for that. In fact, the medical supply people had UPS pick up his Wound VAC ( a.k.a. man purse) today. And he bragged a couple of days ago that the only medication he is taking is multiple vitamins (name brand, not generic, Dr. Hendrickson).

This has been an incredible saga. And we have been incredibly blessed. In some ways much of it seems like a blur now. But in other ways it is very, very real. To say it has been challenging is an understatement. But with all the struggles have come so many lessons learned and lives blessed. And of course, all that is important on an earthly level is that Daniel's prognosis is complete recovery with absolutely no aftereffects. Although he has much of his strength back compared to where he was in July, he still has to take some things easy. No heavy lifting, of course. He walks with a little bit of a hunch due to his abdominal muscles being weak. But he is still taller than most of us at 6'3" --hunch or no hunch. He is working on getting back into shape with long walks (do you walk 3 miles several times a week?). The doctors say it will be a year before he has all his strength back but he is released to do whatever he feels like. Some things still hurt, like jogging and sneezing. But he is coping well. Since he can't jog his Dad got one of his bikes adjusted for Daniel to take to Abilene. And Daniel informed us the other day that if you blow your nose when you feel like you might sneeze, the latter can sometimes be avoided.

What's in Abilene? A job soon, hopefully. He has applied for several hoping to use his business degree if that works out. Also there is a great support group of friends. Plus, his brother Jonathan, who lives in Lubbock is working on getting a computer job there so they can share a small, 2 bedroom rent house. Interestingly, both boys felt led to move to Abilene without knowing the other was going to move there. When Jonathan found out Daniel was moving there, that cinched the deal. Jonathan had already applied for jobs there. (Remember our family doesn't believe in coincidences.) So Daniel has made it to Abilene slightly sooner than Jonathan. As parents, we are very pleased with this development. Both are godly young men looking forward to serving the Lord in whatever ways He desires. They are like-minded in ways but very different in other ways so there will be lots of "iron sharpening iron" moments. Jonathan, who is younger by 17 months, just stresses he has put in his time and he won't share a room with his brother! Fourteen years was enough for him. So, it seems this is the answer to why Daniel didn't get to move to Seattle at the first of September as we had prayed. God had other plans as Daniel has noted in his blog.

Besides praising God, we can't say thank you enough to each of you for your love, concern, encouraging words, and many acts of kindness, such as bringing us dinner on many occasions. Also, thank you so much to those of you who contributed to Daniel's medical expenses. And of course, we are deeply thankful for all the prayers. We have been lifted up so many times. During the dark moments, God used so many of you to keep us going -- and looking up. This may sound goofy, but I am so thankful to live in the modern age where we have email to communicate to and be communicated with. Both were vital throughout the last three months. And the cards have been an intricate part of Daniel's healing as well as our encouragement. It was fun to watch Daniel look for the mail each day, anticipating if he would get any cards, as he often did. Thank you all.

Eddie and I are thankful for the care we received from so many with whom we work. When the going gets tough it is amazing how people come through and you can see how they deeply care about you. Church family has been awesome -- those from Pleasant Ridge and North Davis, from churches in Alaska and from churches many other places. We have felt your prayers. We are truly blessed. And of course there is earthly family. I can't express all the things you have done, from staying in the hospital overnight, to regular phone calls and cards and much more. Thank you for being there for us. Of course Sara Ann, who moved to Crowley, Texas, two weeks ago, gave up her summer for her brother. Thank you Baby.

So the saga that started in Ecuador 3 months ago on a potentially very low note ends on a high note today. I have continually prayed we will never be the same. In many ways things are back to normal. In only the last couple of weeks we have engaged in some things in life that we had not since before July 2nd (who cares to go to a bunch of social activities or the mall for that matter when these things happen?). Yet in other ways life seems changed forever. Some things that seemed important or irritating just don't seem to matter as much now. We are thankful Daniel has had this experience and look forward to how God will use it in his life in the years to come. In fact, Daniel told me before he ever left for Ecuador that he sensed that God was going to allow him to be in danger during his life. After Ecuador happened though, he said he never expected it to include getting shot! So we won't be surprised if more danger lies ahead. And we don't worry about that (Matthew 6:34). We just live our lives today and look for God to be God.

So today, prayers of thanksgiving. Prayers of awe to God for his abundance and love. And prayers confessing our weakness and moment by moment need for a loving Savior and friend. In crisis moments it is easier to rely on God. I pray that for you today you will rely on God if you are in a big crisis, a small crisis or no crisis at all. Its an awesome life to live (II Cor 1:8-11). God, forgive each of us when we forget that.

Again, thank you for your interest and concern. We are deeply humbled by your love! May God richly bless you and yours.

We are grateful to say that at the Stinson household, the saga has ended.

Love,
Eddie, Marilyn, Sara Ann, Daniel and Jonathan