Where you're meant to be

"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."

Hai and Teresa had us (some teachers and staff-whoever could make it) over for dinner tonight. Hai BBQed some chicken marinated in salt, pepper and oyster sauce, which was tender and delicious, Teresa made a wonderful salad with green olives, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, cashews....mmm, and Teresa also made baked beans, baked potatoes, and apple cake. It was a beautiful meal, and I believe the hospitality, love and good company made the food taste even better. I love being in a home. Yes, I live in my home with Ashleigh, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Christa and Robin, but going to a long-established home where kids are running around outside, people are cooking and chatting in the kitchen and living room, and some are out gathered in the garden around the BBQ--people existing for each other, not just with each other.
After eating, we all took a walk through the fields and dirt roads surrounding the Huynh Family Compound. It was so simple, so nice, so leisurely. It wasn't a power walk with a destination in mind; we were just sauntering forward, stopping here and there, not all at once but sometimes all together. People were having conversations, skipping rocks on the pond, throwing a frisbee, giggling, chasing the children, or just walking side-by-side or hand-in-hand taking in the beauty and serenity of the fading light of day. We walked without knowing when we would stop or what we were heading towards. I never even heard anyone ask. No one was talking about their other plans they were waiting to get on with, we were all just there, in that moment, for the evening.
Eventually we headed back to the house, ate dessert (I had flan, yum!), chatted a little more, and we all went our ways home. At this point it was still pretty early, I think we were home by 7:30pm. So I went with Ashleigh, Andrew, Karen and Dave to the beach. At night there are beach chairs and tables set up at certain beaches, where you can eat or drink and enjoy the ocean. I haven't been to the beach at night yet here, and let me tell you I will be doing it as much as possible from now on! Again, it was just incredibly peaceful and enjoyable being in the presence of caring, authentic, quality people. The ocean was dark and the sound of the waves couldn't have been more tranquilizing. I could feel myself smiling for no apparent reason, other than being thoroughly pleased and content with the people surrounding me and genuine nature of who they each are. You'd be surprised at how fulfilling a real and true relationship can be when you're not thinking about what TV program you're missing by being out, or constantly texting people who aren't with you...

"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."

I've been learning lately to be where I am. It hasn't been some huge lesson I learned with a major epiphany and transformation of thought. But I did realize it was something I've been living out which is pretty different than how I've lived in the past. I've always looked forward to the next major event or change or landmark in my life--getting to high school, graduating, getting to college, graduating, moving to Vietnam...and now I don't know what's next! There's "nothing to look forward to" in my life, because there's no set agenda I feel that I need to fulfill now. I've completed all the required tasks given to me by society and not I am free to be where I am and not worry about planning my next life change or adventure. I'm here. I love being here. I don't need to plan my next move. I can't plan my next move because I don't believe I'm the one calling the shots. I am here, living my life, trying every day to act in faith and obedience, abiding in grace and mercy and love and hope. I'm glad I'm not the one deciding my future. It's exciting to follow the One who created the earth and everything in it-He's no much more creative and orchestrating than I'll ever be! Yeah, He's the one I'll listen to. Life will be so much greater with Him calling the shots. I like where I am, because He is here with me. And it'll be that way forever.

"There's no where you can be that isn't where you're meant to be."

{The Beatles}