Last Thursday our daughter Sarah Forcey gave birth to precious Evangeline, our first grandchild. We are so grateful that both are doing well, incredibly so, and are living right around the corner from us. Evangeline Joy, 6 lbs 14 oz, 19.5", was even born on her due date, which was her father John's birthday also!
Laura and I just got back from a trip to the land of pyramids. A personal highlight was snorkeling in the Red Sea. I had heard about the exodus and so forth, but I didn't know the Red Sea has some of the best snorkeling anywhere. Apparently this is because of the steady temperatures and the lack of strong currents. It does however have a lot of surface winds, still what a treat to see the fish and corals. Our schedule worked out so that we had three days to fill between engagements and so it was! No pictures, though, from us!
We were there because we got invited to hang out with some frontline workers from one of the world's biggest countries, which is also the home of many fervent Christ-followers. This was very stretching for us, and especially me, as I do not hesitate to declare Chinese my third best language. I got to use some Spanish on this trip also, but not nearly so much. Lots of English, too, and almost no Arabic, at least on our part :-)
Fortunately for me, when I was asked to talk about forgiveness with a group of Sudanese teachers, that was in English, albeit with a stretch in accents and worldview. Many of these were refugees who have experienced extreme losses, so it was not an academic discussion. That was a very meaningful time, though quite stretching and emotional. In a very limited facility with limited resources in two shifts, 7a-12n and 1-6p, Africa Hope teaches over 400 ethnic Sudanese children who otherwise would not have an education and provides a meal as well.
For me one of the best things about the trip, though, was that Laura was alongside. Her presence significantly changes everything I do and opens up new possibilities, although she is sometimes hardly aware of this happening. It also highlighted that this was not a typical tourist jaunt by any means, although it had its tourist moments along the way.
Coming alongside people in these contexts was very meaningful for us, and we trust also for them. My next trip will be a little different. I'll be going back to Taiwan. I've been wanting to go for some time to come alongside those we left behind as well as some of those who have taken our place in ministry there, but now I have a second agenda. I need a sinus surgery as I have a growth (antrochoanal polyp) filling a sinus cavity and largely blocking my left nostril. In Taiwan this outpatient procedure may be much cheaper (perhaps 80%?) than in the US, so I'm hoping to do it there. If this doesn't work out, I'll still be able to do it here in the US when I return.
In the meantime I said "no" to two ministry trips I had planned to take. One was superceded by the opportunity last month, the second choice is coming up, and I will miss those folks I will not be able to join. Was I led to say "no" because I would need a surgery? Perhaps, as both are true, but I cannot say for sure. I certainly did not know that at the time. Decisions are sometimes like that. The best reasons may emerge after the fact or not at all.
When it comes to making decisions, what particularly strikes me at the moment is that it is difficult and ever so unclear. Conviction is quite different from certainty. The human condition leaves us open to conviction, rightly or wrongly, but also leaves us open to a lot of second guessing, by ourselves and others. It reminds me also not to judge others' decisions too quickly, when my own can be viewed from so many varying perspectives. Ultimately I ask a lot for grace, mercy, and the ability to journey on in the midst of uncertainty and uncertain times. As I come alongside others, I am often encouraging them to remain hopeful, take it easy, and keep going even when the way is precarious and uncertain. Perhaps it's a bit like crossing a traffic circle on foot in Cairo?! (We both did it multiple times, but certainly not with ease or certainty.)
Thank you for praying with us in the midst of all these things. Thank you for your patience with our imperfect decisions and faltering abilities in coming alongside others. Thank you for your own commitments, alongside us, as you also make decisions without certainty. May you often have conviction!
With love in the one who keeps us all, Steve and Laura
Steve and Laura Spinella
US: 1930 Springcrest Rd, CO Springs 80920
mail: 9685 Otero Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Steve cell 719.355.4809, Laura cell 832.755.4261
<spinella@alumni.rice.edu> <lauraspinella@gmail.com>
<spinella@alumni.rice.edu> <lauraspinella@gmail.com>
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