A tiny insight into this addled mind tonight...

Since arriving in Bangladesh, I have found a home, a place of worship and a place of genuine fellowship at Dhaka International Christian church (DICC). Dabbling in youth ministry while I have been here has been two extremes in the two groups I have taken part in. Last year, I semi-committed to OIC (One In Christ) as a leader, but between finding my feet as a first year teacher, being sick all the time, and struggling in my God-given situation, I wasn’t very committed... Neither were half the kids. We were blessed to have a few key kids who were there almost every week and wanted to know Jesus.

This year, DICC’s youth ministry has begun to take flight. We were devastated at the loss of a few of the older, committed kids as they headed to a Christian Boarding School in India which caters for the upper years in a way that Bangladesh cannot, and I wasn’t convinced that God could work this year (I know, I’m stupid for doubting, I’m stupid for even THINKING things couldn’t work). God has proved his faithfulness!!! This year, we have restructured our youth groups. Kingdom Kids (K2) is for kids aged 6-11, Uprising is for kids aged 11-14 and Revolution is for kids aged 15-18. I am one of four leaders for the Uprising group, and I couldn’t be having more fun if I tried!

I did the maths the other night, counting back the years... This is my seventh year in Youth Ministry... And I’m sad to say that this is the first time my heart is well and truly in it. Sad thought. Most shocking to me, is the realisation that up til this year, I THOUGHT I was a committed leader... Um, not so much! Uprising has challenged me in so many ways. Our kids generally fall into one of two categories, their parents are either here as missionaries (or Christians who were willing to come here with their business), or they are from strong Muslim/Hindi background. Those who fall into the first category blow me away each week with their wisdom, insight and understanding of God. Those who fall into the second category blow me away each week at the boldness they have in choosing to seek God, despite the hardships that are a strong potentiality from their families and non-Christian friends.

Living in a strongly Islamic country surprises me sometimes. Like how I had to come to a place such as this to find kids that are truly on fire for the One True God. Turns out that the fact that I never had that ‘aha’ moment of finding God actually makes sense here. In Bangladesh, the idea of having A religion is almost as important as breathing. Here, you very rarely find agnostics or atheists. Religion - and the idea of attaining some sort of place in a further paradise - is so ingrained in life. Everyone here is working towards something... But I’ve got grace, I don’t have to do anything but believe. How refreshing! I’m not sure I could cope, living within the constraints of a religion where you’re never completely assured of your salvation, where you’re the one in charge of making sure YOU get to heaven (or the paradise-equivalent of each belief). The beauty of Christianity in this context, is that we don’t HAVE to do anything, yet CHOOSING to do something brings such joy, satisfaction and a sense of service to God.

There are days when I scream and shout at God for bringing me to Bangladesh. There are days when I feel as though I’m being punished. There are days when I can’t stop crying, and I can’t quite figure out why. There are days that I wake up and feel inadequate here. There are days that I am ready to lasso myself to the first plane I see passing overhead. But through each of those days, God has pulled me through, and he continues to give me grace, hope, love and so many other things. Each new day is a gift, and for every bad moment, there are quite a few good ones.

Thanks goes out to god, first and foremost, however, I'd liek to thank everyone who makes this journey worthwhile - the people at home who still remember, and the people here who know...
Love,
Kim xox

Seems like '_ _ _ _ _ _ _'_' such a hard word to say...

One of the things that really isn't fun about living overseas in a transient community is the frequency with which the word 'goodbye' must be used... Those of us over here had to say farewell to a dear brother over the weekend, and it has thrown more than one of us for six. Each new loss, though painful in its own right, often reminds me of the others who I've had to see off from this place.

The cool upside of all of this is that I have been able to meet so many people that have been such blessings in my life, even if the time span has only been a few short days. Here are some stories of awesome people I've said farewell to... Believe me, this isn't all, just a few...
Cori (Canada): Who I lived with for a year. This was my first venture overseas, and this was her first venture of teaching, so we helped each other lots in different ways.
Hannah (Korea): another roomate in my first year here.
The Nash Family (USA): Jesse taught at school and enriched our spiritual life even with 'How are you going' conversations. Rhonda came into school every so often but mostly was kept busy looking after the kidletts.
Debbie (Australia): was my 'other mother' for the time she was here, giving me hugs and making sure I was looking after myself.
Bryan (USA): Our recently US-bound mate, who was a breath of wisdom and fresh air.
Mark and AC (USA): Who we met in the Bandabarns. The mission organisation they work for is amazing, the way that God is working is powerful!!!! (www.fifty4one.com)
Jeni, India and Pete: The Oasis 3 who kept us smiling and have stayed in our hearts though they are far far far away!
Maija: Who came to Grace on a practicum for teaching... And then got a job in Cambodia... A sister indeed!


Goodbyes suck, but future hello's in heaven are going to be so cool, so worth the wait!