Sight is often how we choose to move forward or not. Literally, if we can see with light, then we will walk through a room or a path. If there is no light, then often we won’t move as freely. We experience darkness often in Lebanon, as the electricity cuts are frequent, and the days are getting shorter. Darkness is somewhat paralyzing as we will stand and wait a few minutes to see if the electricity will come back on or not. If it returns, then life proceeds as normal, with vision that we take for granted. If the power stays off, and the darkness lingers, then we must recalculate how to do life without sight.

Expatriate living equals many friends transitioning in and out of our lives. Recently, a friend was processing with me their upcoming move to a post in another foreign country in the 10-40 window. She expressed how always in the past when they accepted a new assignment it was with “sight, that good things were in store for her family.” However, this time she can’t see many benefits. This move will be challenging, in all the natural human aspects, especially for her children. This dear sister feels God is wanting to test her faith. In other words, is she only willing to move forward if she can see the benefits?

Her words resonated deeply with me, perhaps because in many ways her journey reflects one I took 3 1/2 years ago. Sight was limited, but the inner stirring was not. Moving without sight is a definition of faith, I do believe.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…”

We have been honored over the past 11+ years to journey with some of the most precious people, who have chosen to live with limited sight. It’s risky, it’s painful, it’s fulfilling, and it’s rewarding. It’s lonely, it’s disappointing, it’s rich, and it’s filled with joy--a mixture of emotions and feelings as opposite as darkness and light.

For us, it catapulted Mr.17 and Mr.15 out of the nest (prematurely, in my all-motherly human perspective). Moving anywhere with teens is risky, painful, lonely, and disappointing. Even with good sight most would wave a caution sign and grant advice claiming, “don’t go.” However, I can testify that God has been good to our boys, despite the inability to support them on their breaks and holidays. Most days we all thrive in the fulfillment, reward, richness, and joy of being where we need to be.

Both my friend and I know that staying equals no guarantees. There is risk in staying, in accepting the comfortable, the known, the seen. It doesn’t feel as risky or seem risky, but sight can be deceptive, and light can be temporary.

I felt compelled to write these thoughts as we were about to begin a workers' retreat in the Middle East. The place where we were staying was situated in an olive grove. The olives were begging to be picked, as the trees were laden. It bothered Darron and I as we walked that first day, that there was no one to harvest the olives. People have limited sight when it comes to living in the Middle East. Undoubtedly, stories of terrorism and war are sobering and dark. The King's message must be delivered with great wisdom and discernment. We pray daily for more laborers, and we tell God that He can start with us. Not by sight but by His Spirit we press on.

Your prayers are appreciated, not only for us and my friend and her children, but also for your own sight and how you are willing to respond when you can’t see ahead. I know several of my friends are on journeys where they can’t see ahead. Prayers and courage to each of you--there is light and sight ahead. I believe it is there for you! Remain faithful and true. It will be worth it soon.

“When God asks you to do something that you cannot do, you will face a crisis of belief.…What you do in response to His invitation reveals what you believe about God regardless of what you say.” Experiencing God, pg. 58, Henry T. Blackaby

^{E.G. White, The Upward Look, p. 72.}

E.G.White, Prayer, p. 15.4.

Take a moment to wish a friend happy birthday, congratulate her on a life event, or just let her know that you are thinking of her using the contact information linked below and the card shop links above.

I found this Poppy-seed Tea Ring recipe in a Good Housekeeping magazine many years ago. It is not difficult to make and looks very pretty. I often give it to neighbors and friends at Christmas time as a gift. My husband will tease me to make one for holidays and it is gobbled up very quickly.

1)     In 1 quart saucepan over low heat, heat butter or margarine and 2/3 cups of water until very warm (120 – 130 degrees). In a large bowl, mix at low speed, yeast, salt, 1 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar and water/butter mixture until blended. At medium speed beat for 2 minutes. Add egg and 1 more cup of flour, then beat at medium speed for 2 more minutes. Stir in last 1 cup of flour.

2)       On floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, working in more flour (about 1/3 cup). Shape dough into a ball and place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3)     Punch down dough; turn onto floured surface. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

4)     Grease large cookie sheet.

5)     In a small bowl stir poppy-seed filling with orange peel.

6)     Roll dough into 22” x 12” rectangle. Spread poppy-seed filling mixture over the dough.

7)     Starting at one long side, roll up the dough, jelly-roll fashion. Cut the rolled dough down the center long ways. Keeping the cut sides facing up, twist the two strands together. Place on cookie sheet and form into a wreath shaped ring, tucking the ends under to seal them.

8)     Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

9)     Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Bake ring for 30 minutes or until golden brown. 

10)  Remove ring from cookie sheet and place on cooling rack set over waxed paper.

11)  In a small bowl mix confectioners sugar and 1 Tbs. water to make a sugar glaze. Brush glaze over the top of the tea ring. I like to decorate my ring with red gum drops and green candy spearmint leaves to make it look like a holly wreath.