Work, work, work!

Hey everyone! So I'm finally back in the U.S. (have been for the past two weeks), chilling in the good state of Virginia. Well...I lie - first, it's actually REALLY hot and humid where I am, and second, I'm working everyday at my parents' shop, so I don't have too much time or energy to "chill". I'm not complaining TOO much though (cough)...I'm rather enjoying spending some much needed time with the fam.

So my daily life nowadays is painfully uneventful, a stark contrast from my early summer in Nicaragua. Oh speaking of Nicaragua, it was truly a blessing to have had the opportunity to visit the country and experience its people and culture. It was my first time in a Latin American country, and while having to sleep in mosquito nets and almost having my leg taken out by a pack of rabid dogs at night weren't the happiest of my experiences, it was still amazing to practice my Span...glish and get a feel for international service. My group of 14 Stanford students had a lot on our plate there. We participated in a variety of community projects, learned about the country's medical system, and even got the chance to shadow doctors. The trip wasn't all work, though. We got to hike up a dormant volcano, swim in the crater of another that had last erupted thousands of years ago, as well as visit multiple beaches and clubs.

At my new home in VA, I feel like a lonely duck. I have no friends, no volcanoes, no clubs. Haha, in a way, that might actually be a good thing. Because I don't have any fun things to do here, I've taken up reading (surprise!) during my spare time. I recently started reading a book by renowned theologian John Piper, called "Don't Waste Your Life." I remember Jeanette reading the book (throughout the year ;-)) this past year, and I used to tease her because the book's title seemed a bit silly. The content of the book, however, has been extremely intellectual and logical, and Piper has provided some compelling ways by which we could glorify God AND enjoy our lives as faithful Christians. I'm not too far into the book yet, but I think it's going to be a thought-provoking read. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking to live a life of meaning, not one that is wasted.

I sincerely hope everyone is living out this summer in ways that are glorifying to God! What does that mean? According to Piper, it means that we take joy in sharing about the good news; in magnifying God as He was, is, and will forever be; in loving one another as Christ first loved us; in living out our daily lives as true children of Christ. Let us seek his Word and presence in times of both triumph and hardship. It's been really tough for me to do all these things thus far, but I feel like God is challenging me to improve bit by bit.

Finally, if anyone has prayer requests, please don't be shy to share them with the rest of us! (Thanks, Karis, for sharing!) After all, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ - how beautiful is that?! As for me, my mom has been visiting Korea this summer to attend to her ill mother. Taking advantage of the low medical bills there, my mom decided to get an MRI scan of her body. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, the scan today revealed a 7-cm tumor inside her uterus. She may be undergoing surgeries soon, so I'd really like to ask for prayers for her safety and calmness of soul during this unpredictable time. My family and I find comfort, though, in our faith that God is watching, and will always watch, over my mother. Thanks, everyone. Praise God.

Steve