Checkout the Look on My Face

Top right is me

Yes that is me in the raft along with my family. Immediately after this photo I was catapulted into the center of the raft when we hit that rock. But in many ways this onetime rafting event to spend time with my family could be a good metaphor for my life right now.
As many of you know i am now back in Staunton living at the family home. My parents are wonderful people. They have been so generous towards me over the past few weeks. I have never really had any reservations about picking up and going to Japan. I think that this has just been a blessing that the Lord has bless me with. However, especially since I have been back from New York I have noticed the good things in my life. I wonder if this is because I am so focused on this external goal of getting to japan and preparing. I will paraphrase Ecclesiastes, " there is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his labor before the lord... for this is his lot." It is like the Lord connects our ability even to enjoy the things that we so called possess, friends, family, etc., with whether or not we see it coming from His hand. The current of my life at this time in seeking to be obedient is under girded by the deeper waters of God's river. If I focus only on the water i am splashing with my paddle will be so unlikely to see the scenery flashing by around me. I also won't notice that it is the force of the river that is carrying me not the force of my paddle. I hope this example is helpful to someone. If Not know that I am sorely going to miss all those that i leave behind. But I believe that I love you and enjoy your friendship best by going.

God bless you- Isaac