Around the World and Back Again
Thank you for praying for our travels to Thailand and Singapore! We experienced such joy and gratitude to the Lord for the way He went before us and was with us each moment of each day! In many ways, it was the trip of a lifetime!
Our first stop was Thailand for the Midyear Conference. I (Lisa) always enjoy this conference and this year was no exception. You can’t beat the synergy and excitement of all of Cru’s international staff serving in Asia—from first year international interns to those serving overseas for 20 years or more—coming together for a week. A friend recently asked me what each day looks like and maybe you’re wondering to!
We start each morning after breakfast with a time of worship. Michael enjoyed playing the cajon (box-drum) with the worship team! Then we heard stories from the field of what God’s been doing, followed by a devotional/teaching time from the week’s speaker. Usually this is followed by personal time to spend with the Lord.
Some of the days had seminar options anyone can attend or topics geared to specific groups such as interns, those considering joining Cru full-time, moms, etc. I coordinated a moms’ lunch where we had a chance to get to know each other and make connections with other moms on the field. Some of the discussions centered around childbirth, homeschooling, toddler tantrums… the usual things moms talk about no matter where one lives! Michael led a seminar on “Having Hard Conversations.”
Afternoons provided opportunities to get the care they needed: meeting with their care specialist (like me), or napping, or exploring Chiang Mai…. Meanwhile, the youngest children were cared for in the nursery or childcare and the older kids got to experience a program geared to their specific needs as TCKs (third-culture kids). What a gift to parents to know their kids are being poured into and safe while they could take an hour to go on a quick Thai tea date or maybe even get a massage!
My AIA family that moved to Thailand this summer is thriving! It was so good to see them in their new home, hear how it’s ‘really’ going, and even get some time with their boys. I feel so privileged to care for them!
Next stop—back to Singapore after almost 20 years! The year we lived there from 2004-2005 was so formative for us and our kids. This trip allowed so many sweet reunions with dear friends, like our condo neighbors in the top picture. What a blessing! We also saw many co-workers and teammates from our time working and living in Singapore. It does seem that every trip is a mix of business and pleasure. Michael led some trainings for some of the Cru Singapore staff and Lisa met with her AIA family and their director. We had a VERY busy week and crammed so much into each day. A special bonus was that Lisa’s brother, Eric, was able to join us in Thailand and Singapore.
UP NEXT: Application Season!
March 1st is the deadline for applications for those wanting to do an international internship with Cru/AIA next year. Please pray for Lisa and her team as they evaluate the applications, have interviews with each applicant, and make acceptance and placement decisions.
Please pray for our teams serving in the nations affected by the war. There is much fear and confusion… and potential evacuations. Pray for peace for our staff, wisdom for how to best care for these teams, and ultimately, for God to be glorified and Christ to be made known in the midst of these very difficult situations.
Please pray for the staff and teams who are interested in further development and team building with Michael. There are logistical and financial considerations that need to be worked out so Michael can meet this important and real need.
Thank you so much for being a vital part of our ministry. God bless you!
Our mailing address is:
Michael & Lisa Anderson
269 N. King St
Xenia, OH 45385
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