Tsagaan Sar, Box and GRACE

This past Monday and Tuesday was Tsagaan Sar (White Moon/month) - one of the big Mongolian National holidays. We were invited to a couple homes. Always bring a gift for the host and hostess of the house and be prepared to eat a lot. Buuz, steamed meat dumplings, are traditionally served, along with cold salads and hot milk tea. This time we were also served homemade fruit juice that was quite tasty. Much better than the drink we were offered the day before. :/

enjoying milk tea

enjoying the sugary treats

Today I received a phone call that I had mail at the local post office and I'd better go pick it up. I quickly threw on some layers of warm clothing, grabbed Jaaz's bike and set off. Big mistake! I haven't ridden a bike in a LONG time! And on icy trails and roads in the sub zero weather, that was interesting. My legs were hurting by the time I got back to the house! But so excited to have my box here!!! I was dreading the thought   that it would arrive after I left Hatgal. God is good. I thoroughly enjoyed opening it, seeing all the randomness from my BFFF and my sister. All their notes and stickers were awesome! 

My long awaited box!!!

Recently I've been reading through the New Testament again. One thing that I was noticing was that many times that the word "Grace" appears. Been thinking a lot about God's grace - how He always there for His children, giving strength, grace and peace during trials and struggles. So glad I serve a God that cares!!

Tonight I am especially grateful for His Grace. I opened my email today for the first time in a week and in my inbox was a troubling email. A short forwarded note that a good friend of mine was killed a couple days ago. I don't know much about the situation, but she leaves behind a husband and three dear, lovely, young children. This family was one of God's warrior families, serving Him on the foreign field. 

My heart is heavy tonight. 

But I KNOW my GOD is Good. 

and I KNOW HE is still in Control. 

God's Grace is Real