the best year of my life
If my life in 2008 had a theme, it would be contentment. During the last 12 months I prayed countless times, “Why me God? Why have you chosen to bless me so much?”
For starters, I began the year in Kompong Cham, Cambodia. Those who have known me for years will remember that moving to Cambodia was my dream. After years of hoping, praying and planning, my dream had come true. Even after four years of miscommunication, cultural dislocation, and social deprivation, the romance of simply being in Cambodia remained. In fact, upon moving out of Phnom Penh, I was able to add vocational satisfaction to romance as I worked with a ministry that I believed in alongside staff that I love and respect.
Other highlights from the past year include:
- Cassia’s transition from infancy to toddlerhood along with my consequent exponential increase in enjoyment of fatherhood
- answered prayer for a full-ride to graduate school and other signs that God was directing us to Seattle
- a remarkably easy adjustment to American life
- two more answered prayers … receiving student housing and placement for both of our kiddies at a preschool 25 feet from our front door
- a phenomenal academic program that has significantly exceeded all of my expectations
- Anita finding the most enjoyable job she’s ever had
I was reluctant to write this for fear that it would sound too much like the prosperity gospel. To set the record straight, I’m not in that camp at all. Along with Bonhoeffer, I firmly believe that, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” As someone who used to pray for persecution and martyrdom, God’s relentless torrent of blessing leaves me feeling grateful but confused. I can’t help but believe that God’s gifts are not supposed to end with our family. Therefore, as I begin 2009 my prayer is, “God, help me to use every blessing you’ve given me to be a blessing to others.”






