TV, FB, food...for rest?

Our awesome teammates sent a note recently on FB...thought those if you who still read our blog might find it as challenging as we did!


"Life can often be a real struggle. Lately, for us, life is making us very tired. B is out every day either sharing the gospel for a few hours, having meetings, or doing coaching with the church planters here. By the end of the day, he's really exhausted from the heat and having to be 'on his game' relationally. For K, she is finding herself at home with an increasingly difficult (but still a joy!) 2 1/2 year old and a growing 16lb 6 month old. She's often falling asleep at 8pm. In addition, there are the unique challenges of living in a different culture (even though, after 5 years, many things have become quite normal) and the spiritual attacks that have increased since we've been back (weariness, unexplainable sickness, and emotional stress). So, it is really easy after the kids are down to think, "Now, its time for ME! I've earned rest and relaxation."


However, God has been working on us lately to really examine that common desire to see if it is really true. We often think that TV, Facebook, or other such things will give us rest. Meaning, after we do those things, we will be re-energized to engage in the hard work of ministry and raising kids - which requires grace, humility, and purity. It didn't take long to realize that those activities were not, and would not, ultimately give us the rest we needed. For instance, on a typical day reading through our Facebook updates, I might read an update that makes me feel sorry for myself or feel envy because I didn't get a brand new gadget or household appliance because I don't have the money or it's not available over here. But depending on the day, that same post might make me feel proud and arrogant, because I've sacrificed so much and that person hasn't. Or, I might read a news article or a political opinion that makes me angry...etc, etc, etc. And then while simply browsing the internet or watching a DVD of a show we brought over here, we might be exposed to all sorts of things haphazardly, like: clothes we want, music we want, kids toys that we want, a music video that has a little too much skin in it, or a scene in a show of people about to have sex (which opens a whole new door or thoughts and struggles).

Whew! Does any of that seem restful? Instead of being re-energized to love our family sacrificially and give our children grace-filled words instead emotional and angry words, we instead have let things into our hearts that will put us on edge and will require some serious prayer to put behind us. You see, we're learning that the spirit of indulgence that we feel when tired, is just another thing that is evidence of being tired (like our body feeling tired, being a little bit more emotional than usual, or losing sight of real perspective). However, it is extremely difficult to teach ourselves how to deal with this.

We are just beginning to see that when we indulge (with internet, food, TV, etc), we are no more well rested than we were before those activities. And we are beginning to learn that when we take that free moment to read the Bible and center our hearts on our deep, deep need for Jesus' Spirit to meet us and guide us, we are much more fun to be around, much more joyful, and much more in control of our actions, our thoughts, and our words. And that is what we really need to be good parents, spouses, and pleasing workers for our King.

It really is true, when Jesus says, "Come to me all you weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)



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Celebrating 5 years in SE Asia

Five years ago, we ventured across the world with a heart to share the love of God to a people who had never heard of Him. For Todd and I, it was our dream/calling since we had first met, before we were married in 2003. In 2006, we moved.

See the blog posts from our first year in SE Asia in our 2006-2007 archives.

In these past 5 years, we have had joys and challenges. We are thankful for every experience. We are truly different and hopefully better people because of them. It has been an awesome adventure so far. We look forward to the next 5 years!









What's a celebration in SE Asia without a little mango pie!






Our SE Asia family/teammates. (excluding our wonderful local friends)






Our newest teammate, Caleb.






At the airport when the Coughlins returned from furlough in the States just a few weeks ago. Abi and Emma enjoying the reunion.





























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Emma's First Day of "School"

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Mosquitos to Green Slim?

 

 

We had hundereds of mosquitos breeding in the drainage area in the front of our house last month, since it doesn't really drain. However, we are so thankful that God sent a 'green slim' to prevent their breeding and thus biting! What is this stuff? It seems a lot safer than Malaria, so we are not complaining!!!

Six Months of God's Faithfulness

It's been 6 months since we returned to SE Asia from our furlough and 6 months we've been "teammate-less". We weren't sure how it was going to go adjusting to being back, figuring out how to be a family of four, and continuing to press on with our work here. But God is always faithful and while we had many challenging days, He has proven over and over to us that He is trustworthy and provides for all our needs, even when we fail at giving Him the credit. So this is just a note to say that we are celebrating each step along the way as we strive to grow closer to Jesus and live out what we feel He has called us to. And if you're reading this blog, you have probably been a huge part by supporting us through prayer and friendship. Thank you.

Another update will come soon as we are celebrating 5 years since we moved to SE Asia!!

Love,
Bs

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

River City Snow

The dry season can be tough here. Heat that sucks the energy out of you, and if it doesn't rain at all for several weeks, many locals begin to burn their fields. This leads to a constant shower of "River City Snow" as they call it: ash. Every morning you have a layer of ash on your car and anything else you left outside. The air is smokey and many don't even like to be outside during this time. But when the tropical showers come, all is washed away and everything blooms like it's Spring time. Everything becomes beautiful. The millions of people that live on our island often experience oppression, poverty, disease, and corruption. Smoke clouds their vision and a spirit of heaviness rests on them. Please pray that they would encounter new life in Jesus and experience the blessing God wants to give them: beauty for ashes.

Isa 61:3
To all who mourn in Israel (to all God's people), he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Short Update

We're back in SE Asia. No snow here! Just rain and lots of sunshine/sweat. :) We had an amazing few months in the States. The highlights being the birth of our sweet daughter, Olivia Grace Lillian Bates, and spending the holidays with family and friends.

Emma loved discovering parks, slides, the children's museum, making some new friends, and time with family she hadn't seen since she was 3 months old. She also discovered jackets, long sleeves, grass, and dogs...all things she wasn't used to experiencing in SE Asia.

Now that we've been back a few months, we're easing into the rhythm of life here. A typical day for Katie and the girls is mostly at the house playing, cooking, and getting creative with activities for Emma and helping her adjust to being around the local people and speaking the language. For Todd, it's meeting with local partners to go out and share the Good News, pray with them, support and encourage them in a variety of different ways, as well as do a few clean water related things. God is opening the hearts of the Kali people. Please keep praying!

Again, thanks to those who hung out with us while on furlough, prayed for us, blessed us with a meal, gave a baby gift, etc. We feel very filled up and ready for the next term.

Family Christmas Celebration

South Padre Fam Vacation

Our Pumpkin Venture

The Bates clan decided to go buy some pumpkins but were a little late in the game. Still on Asian time I guess. Most of the pumpkin patches were too far away and places that were selling them were almost out of pumpkins! But a little place around the corner of our house still had some left. So we enjoyed a family outing and Emma picked out Mommy and Olivia's pumpkins as well as her own. It was a sweet time getting to experience an American tradition together as a family. Ok, except when Emma plopped Olivia's pumpkin right on her lap, not realizing it was heavy, unlike her stuffed caterpillar that she always gives her!! Don't worry, Olivia is fine and didn't even get upset. Thankfully she had a rather think blanket over her legs to soften the pumpkin plop!

The Nomadic Life

(from K) Well, we are off in just a few weeks to spend 4 1/2 months in the States. We've are already experiencing the mixed emotions that come with parting from friends and then greeting friends and family we haven't seen in a long time. It doesn't get easier. It really is joy and sorrow mixed all together. Sometimes I'll be on a high of happiness because I am so excited to see loved ones and then minutes later, I will feel this ache in my gut thinking about how long it will be until I see the friends I'm leaving.

Since Todd and I have been married we've lived in 9 different homes, 2 States, and 4 islands in SE Asia. In her 21 months of life, Emma has lived in 2 homes, 3 other places for longer than 1 month, been to 5 countries, and taken around 20 flights. I truly never thought that I signed up for this type of life when God called us to this ministry. Wow. What is "normal" in our life is simply, change. For someone who does not like change and grew up in the same place as her father, mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents, it has been quite a whirlwind.

Although the pains of being away from friends and family is real and will probably never go away, in the end, the truth is that God is our home, and wherever He wants us is the place we will be most content and satisfied. As Christians, we truly are nomads, waiting for our true home in heaven. It's easy to long for heaven when you no longer feel that any place is "home" anymore and you don't fit in in any one culture. We are so thankful for this challenge as it has really helped us to be more dependent on God and less on things that don't last or matter in the end. Our identity doesn't rest in where we are from, what material things we have, or what we do for a living, but rather in the One who has made us a new creation and extended His unconditional love to us. Thankfully HE will never change.

Trip to Singapore

The World Cup is Here!

We had a fun small World Cup opening party and all bought soccer shirts/jerseys, including Emma. I (K) had to get a bigger size to cover the growing belly. ;)

Vacation with Mimi and Nana

It has been over a year since Emma has seen her grandmas and they came to see us! It was a wonderful memorable time. Thanks for coming half way around the world to see us Mimi and Nana!

Beach time

We spent a few days relaxing on a beach 3 hours away. It was a much needed time to be in nature as life in a city can feel a little cramped and too industrial. It was the first time Emma really understood what the ocean was. She loved it!

Trip to Singapore

Family Vacation in KL

We had a blast on our family vacation we took just after the holidays to Kuala Lumpur. It's a fun city with lots of great activities for kids. I guess one thing about becoming parents is that your vacation activities change! I was most looking forward to the butterfly and bird park just to see the reaction of little one year old Emma. :) It was worth it!

We ate great western food that we missed, saw exotic and rare birds, visited an aquarium, shopped, slept, watched Numbers episodes, and spent time in parks and in nature...many of which we are not usually able to do. Emma enjoyed some new things she has never experienced too...see more on her recent blog entry.

more Christmas photos for fun

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World! The Lord has Come!
We have really enjoyed celebrating Christ's birth this year, although we are away from family and cool weather (I wore a scarf just for the fun of it at our Christmas dinner out. It was probably in the 90s!). We're opening gifts together as a family Christmas morning. It will be the first Christmas where Emma actually can interact and open her gifts! I baked my Mom's recipe of Christmas sugar cookies and some chocolate chip cookies for when our Muslim and Christian neighbors come to visit. I hope they enjoy the little tastes of America. We're praying you and your family are truly enjoying this season. We are so blessed to be able to receive the ultimate gift of love from God: Jesus. Happy Holidays! Love, the Bs.