Needing and Wanting

Communion is always beautiful...
no matter where you are.

What do you need right now?

Make a list.

What would happen if you didn't get those things?

I have declined to go to the bathroom in all gas station restrooms. I have avoided drinking tap water because it "just doesn't taste right." I have refused to sleep at certain hotels because they "looked too cheap." I have complained about the heat when my house and every surrounding business had air-conditioning.

Ungratefulness has consumed my mind for far too long.

God has been speaking to me very clearly about dependancy on him and being thankful for his blessings. Click read more to hear specifics. Without his permission, we could not breathe. He is merciful and good.

Always.

Our time on assignment last week reminded me that the places we are visiting and the work we are documenting is real life. It is a good life. Just because it is different from my unique standard of living does not mean that it is backwards or somehow less.  Every blessing is a gift from God. The toilet might be different, but it is still a gift to be thankful for... not an obstacle to overcome. The food might be unfamiliar, but it still fills my stomach and gives me energy. The house may not be air conditioned, but it shelters us from the rain and mosquitos.

This is not a guilt trip. This is a call to rejoice.

No matter where you are. No matter what you have. You are blessed by God. Don't think that you are more blessed than someone else because their home looks different than yours. DO enjoy what God has given you and remember to give and receive from others who live differently than you. 

Good work is being done in these places. We are so excited to serve them.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil. 4:4-7

We know that some people are confused as to what we are doing here. This blog is more about our experiences adjusting to culture than what we do with Monsoon. If you would like to know more about that, it must be shared in a private email or over skype. We are safe and we are thriving.

Please faithfully consider supporting us both financially and prayerfully at this time. Although we are well on our way to being fully supported, we are NOT there yet. We don't have the funds to reach our minimal budget for November-January 25th. We also need (and I do mean need) another external hard-drive for all of the photos and video we take for our assignments ($70), and a second canon battery for our long stays at project sites ($70).

If you wish to give, here is the link to our donation website.

Our ministry account number is M10358.

If you wish to receive prayer updates, send us an email at thewhitehursts@att.net.

We love you and miss you all very much!

-Rachel