Two days before Christmas I got a call from a friend asking me to come and staff the justice-focused DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Kona, Hawaii for the next three months. After prayer and relinquishing all the happy expectations I had for this time, I felt like God said, “Go. This is an opportunity I’ve opened for you.” So with only days to prepare, I arrived here on Monday night. It’s been a delightful adventure so far, and I expect to have some great things to report in the coming weeks!
In the meantime I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am for friends like you who faithfully read these entries, pray, support, and converse with me through your comments. You have no idea what a blessing it is to log on and see that some sweet friend has dropped in and left a note of encouragement or some thoughts to chew on. You are part of a small army who keeps me encouraged, supported, and challenged. THANK YOU, (or as they say in Kona “mahalo”), for being a part of this adventure!!
“One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes,
and yours may be that life.”
– Oswald Chambers
Dispatches from the Shadowlands 
Wow, cool! Sending a message from Thailand, Chiang Mai. God bless you, and see you in march!
LikeLike
I love it when God changes our plans! Just think, 15 years ago WE were the ones sitting in a classroom in Kona. Who knew that would change our lives FOREVER? Truly the Father’s ways ARE higher than ours, and how wonderful that you again get to be a part of this life-changing experience for others, Don! (Not to mention the “hardship” of life in Kona for three months!) Blessings to you, my friend! I’m praying for you…
LikeLike
God bless you also!!! God’s plans are the BEST plans. Thinking of you and the wonderful weather you have in HAWAII, Though our weather here is not too bad. Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It is a little early, but I remembered your birthday is January 17.
LikeLike
Don,I am having my plans changed,too. I am now the new president of our residents association !! I have never been president of anything and never wanted to be !! So when I had so many indications that I should do this I told the Lord the whole thing must be up to Him since he got me into it. the results so far have been amazing and more than a little out of my comfort zone. And I put on your piano music and that settles my spirit. This is not at all what I had in mind for my life as a retiree !! God’s sense of humor is really something. You, lucky guy, get to do yours on familiar ground, but I’m winging it in strange territory. But for some reason piano music holds God’s voice for me w/beauty and a yearning that I began to experience as a teenager and now have understood that it was waiting for just this time in my life. His bounty is beyond belief. Have a great 2009 !! I know I will !!
Love and smiles,Janet
LikeLike