Wednesday, July 23, 2008

$20.

I took Maw Taw to the bank yesterday because he needed to cash some checks he received. Shortly after we got back, Maw Taw came and held out a twenty dollar bill to me. I asked what it was for, and Thomas translated that it was for the oil to go to the bank. I then explained that the bank that was a mile away costs less than $1 to drive to, and he really didn't need to pay me. There was more Karen between them, and then Thomas insisted that I must take it, because it is Karen culture. He said, "Sometimes we do not have and we must only say 'ta blut doh ma' (thank you), but if we have we give."
And now I sit with a twenty dollar bill that has given me a personal example of Luke 21:1-4. I am also reminded of 2 Corinthians 8:2, which reminded me of the Karen when I came across it earlier this summer. It reads, "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."

2 comments:

Nathan said...

I am sure you two hear this a lot but I wanted to say how proud I am of you. I know that your pride is found in your relationship with God so I will tun that around. I am roud that my God is using you two in such an amazing way. Continue in the work knowing that you are not alone. You are the hands and faces of a lot of people's prayers.

John and Janel Breitenstein said...

I love this story (and would love to hear more updates, since you clearly still love Burma!). You guys should post the video from your slide show and send it to your supporters! We love you.