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GRIFFITH GLEANINGS AUGUST 2020

line GRIFFITH GLEANINGS AUGUST 2020

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

GRIFFITH GLEANINGS AUGUST 2020   As a young child Rob has a memory of returning home from a family holiday to a home break-in. A thief had broken a window and stolen one of his most precious possessions. The family’s collection of Commonwealth Bank metal money boxes had been stolen. All of Rob’s savings were gone! As a child it was a significant violation.
This week we have read several articles that describe the cost imposed by COVID-19 and compared the losses as similar to a thief, or a destructive storm. Thankfully the authors didn’t just focus on the costs of this world changing pandemic, but prompted ways to count the losses and to progress to thankfulness and next steps.
For many of us the way our life has been changed or restricted has been more than unsettling. While in Australia we had to cancel many appointments, were restricted in movement around the country and lost the opportunity to meet with some family, friends in person and say many physical farewells. But all was not lost.
The past eight months has been full with connections with many generous hearted people. People who welcomed us, prayed for us, physically provided for our needs and farewelled us. We left Australia with full hearts, and who would have known a year ago that so much of these connections could be on video calls?
Before our departure a week ago we were able to schedule many goodbyes and with our South Australian based children this could even involve a physical hug.
In that final week we witnessed quite a few miracles to gain a visa, flights, US money and necessary documents to satisfy entry requirements to Cambodia.
COVID-19 has not taken everything. Just like Rob’s childhood coins and money box that was eventually replaced and the window was repaired. A virus has cost a lot for many of us, but one day it will become a distant memory. Now is a good time to begin naming the losses, but also discern and plan your next move. We have the wonderful privilege of doing that now in Cambodia.
Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 to all of you who helped us to return here with such full hearts ❤️.
Listening to Khmer musical instruments evokes many senses as a story is played by the musician. This Khmer musical instrument known as the Tro Ou is a traditional bowed string instrument. Its body is made from a special type of coconut covered on one end with snake skin, and it has three strings.
Visitors in the village
Welcome to our kitchen, after three negative Covid19 tests we are reunited with visitors (initially physically distanced through a flyscreen door) bringing encouragement and even gifts of Khmer food.
Thankfulness:
For goodbye season embracing technology.
For the privilege to be reunited in the village with our in country Global Interaction team and Khmer friends.
For opportunity to utilise home isolation to discern next steps.
For encouragement and support from the Khmer community of South Australia.
Requests:
For adjustments as our family re-learning living life apart.
For renewed annual visas and work permits.
For wisdom across the team in making decisions for their family needs.