We have a large bush in our front yard, well, perhaps yard is a generous term! However, the bush constantly produces beautiful white blossoms. Even better, the blossoms smell incredible! The bush means more to me than just being a bush. When we moved into Cottonwood and started making the house our own, one of the things I wanted was a gardenia bush. The scent reminded me so strongly of ladies selling gardenias/jasmine blossoms on the subway in Shanghai! We planted two at the house and they were favorites. Sometimes their fragrance would wrap around me and I was back on the ditia standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a hundred other Shanghainese. I find it to be just like Him to give me this beautiful reminder that He is here with me…just like He was in Shanghai, Arkansas, and here.
Imagine a quick plane ride could take you to an island over and you would suddenly be in a place filled with familiarity. Western food, stores, and English(ish)! For Christmas break, we decided to hop over to that island to rest our souls. The best part was Papa D & Nana would be with us. We were thrilled about the opportunity to be refreshed in this place so many have dreamed of going to visit.
Bali was absolutely beautiful. It was rejuvinating to be able to just ‘be’. We stayed at a house (gotta love AirBnB) and had time to laugh, play games, swim, and watch movies. We slept late, laughed, and ate!
We didn’t just stay at the villa. We also went to a beautiful beach, played in the snow (truly!), and went to a temple overlooking the ocean. We were amazed by the beauty around us. And the food. We had cheese-filled crust on our pizza and the cheese actually melted! We had pit barbecue, and real Mexican with cheese dip! We also ate seafood by the ocean. Our tummies were happy…so so happy!
Uluwatu Temple
The gals with the ocean behind them (we were at top of cliff)
Papa D!
Christina Marie had to go to the beach!
A wee rest…
Walking down to the inclinator
We arrived in Bali a day late, but we made it!
Michael Joe with his Kaybrietta
Kaybrietta pinged me with that snowball!
RyAnne had just iced me
Lissie Joy had the best time throwing snowballs!
Elliana loved every second!
Our crew at Sunday’s
Lissie Joy said ‘take our picture!’
Nana found Pez dispensers!
At Kecak show!
Affagato happiness
Beautiful Nana!
Holding a baby turtle
Holding a teeny turtle!
Soaked after losing snowball fight
We love these two soooooo much!
Last pic in Bali together!
We are so thankful for this time to recharge and that the Grands were with us to experience Indonesia in a new way. The gals are ready to go back and explore some more…or perhaps to just rest.
This past weekend was marked on our calendar with one word: Family. We spent time together as a family. We watched another ‘Herbie’ movie. I could listen to the gals laughing all day! We ate popcorn and raided the American snack box. We put cute girly things on the gals’ bikes and I practiced driving the motorbike around our neighborhood. I took the Bigs to see a movie and get Elliana’s birthday/Christmas/time to learn an instrument keyboard. Meanwhile the Littles hung out with Daddy (Ayah) to their hearts’ content. We took long naps and cuddled. The Bigs successfully rode their bikes to school and back (yay for finding bicycle helmets!). And they also sorted out their Legos by color and function!
Making a joyful noise!
Lego world in the midst of organizing!
Riding Lissie Joy’s bike!
Taking in ‘Reading Rainbow’ with Mommy
We had Domino’s for lunch!
Cookies after Brownies #timewithdaddy
Working on her bike!
Nerds
Right before the show…is RyAnne doing an almost duck-face?
Big helping Little
American snacks!
Thrilled about the keyboard!
Caught with her hand in the popcorn!
So much delight!
The thing is we had to plan to just ‘be’. Our calendar is as full as we allow it to become. We’ve been seeking to slow down. We’ve been evaluating what matters and what can go to the wayside (moving across the world can cause intense scrutiny of everything). We know things change fast and we want to witness those changes up close. We are intentionally carving out time for us as a family. To be sure we know successes and victories. To recognize struggles at the beginning. To build relationships so when the tough times arise, we know each other well enough to love they way they need. We have such a short time to raise arrows that are pointed at Him and His design for their lives. We don’t want to look back and ‘wish we woulda’. Instead of living in regret, we are moving forward with intentionality. We will raise our quiver full in His ways and that begins with a house that loves Him and each other. Psalm 127:3-5
Our weekend wasn’t perfect-being around each other for extended time can ruffle feathers. But laughter abounded, smiles were seen, and memories were made. We are excited to see how these family blocks of time create a stronger Davis crew. And, most importantly, to see how this strengthened crew brings Him glory.
Elliana made a declaration today. She announced her choice to follow Christ-to be obedient to Him regardless of the cost. She told the world she is the Bride of Christ. My parents started a tradition of giving the girls a ring when they made this decision. Today we gave Elliana a diamond band to remind her of this forever choice.
While we know this decision won’t lead to the easiest life by the world’s standards, we are elated to see her choose to follow Christ. She has been created for God’s glory! Her heart is huge and her love for others is deep. We pray she will seek His wisdom to grow into the woman He created her to be. Today, I gave this verse to her:
We are thankful to each and every person who helped Elliana see Him and learn about God. The harvest is beautiful. Keep praying for this new sister-in-Christ! May she seek to know His heart and have her heart beat in time with His alone. We cannot wait to see how He will bring out all of the beauty that is Elliana Chivonne!
We are so thankful Nana and Papa D were here for this celebration!
We are celebrating so much today! Family, healing, and Christmas! Most importantly, a few weeks ago Elliana accepted Jesus as her Savior. She came into our room after she was supposed to be sleeping. We had a deep-for-an-eight-year-old conversation. She confessed she had messed up and needed Him to be Lord over all of her life. Even in the past few weeks we have seen beautiful changes in her. She’s braver and kinder. Her teacher has noticed changes as well. She is working through a devotion book and asking the best questions. I’m so thankful for all of your prayers that He would draw her close. She’s in the family now! For those in the KB area next Sunday the 23rd, we are going to celebrate! Details forthcoming!
Dependency is not cherished in the Western mindset. We aim to be independent. Rely on no one but ourselves. Don’t ask for help. Suffer in silence. Be a self-sufficient adult. This idea of independence is no longer the main idea surrounding us. Here community and family rank the highest. Each seeks to help the other resulting in a culture that is beautiful and kind.
We have been in Indonesia for four months with four months of knowing about the move in advance. That grand total of eight months was in no way enough time to get every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed. We had to ask for help. We had to accept it, too. Family, friends, and strangers carried us through the harried months and hours. There were times we questioned our sanity, yet His church supported us every step of the way. We had no way to know it was just the beginning of His training.
Since we have arrived on our island, we have lost every shred of what we knew before. Like children, people have fed us, helped us get around, spoken for us, and cared for us when we were ill. Like children, we have cried, thrown tantrums, and pouted. We’ve also found delight when we were brave enough to look. I find Matthew 18:1-6 running through my mind…
Looking back over these 272 days, I can see His hand teaching us to depend on Him and the body of His church. We have had to change our outlook. We have relied on the Body day after day. We, like children, have had to trust when there seemed to be absolutely no way the house would sell. We had to depend on others to pack, sell, and move our belongings stateside. We had to depend on family to care for us and our kids while their hearts were shattering. Upon arrival, we have had to depend on others to locate our housing, teach us how to grocery shop, and how to get around in a place where English is a luxury.
All the while, we have had the privilege to see the Body shine in His glory. It isn’t easy. Every month we try not to be anxious on the 11th when our support list for the past month is sent. I won’t lie. It can be scary. But every month we see the list of names that have chosen to pour into us and the outreach here. Every person and family that has given of themselves the past 272 days (and 40 plus years) has helped us arrive to this moment. It isn’t through independence that we prove our faith. It is through dependence on His promises…and acting on them as if they are true! Our step of faith has been dependent on so many who were obedient in their walk with Him. The faithful who made decisions big and small to to be the Body.
So we want to say thank you. Thank you for helping us become more childlike. Thank you for loving us like our Heavenly Father. Thank you for loving us like Him. Thank you for showing us what His hands and feet look like in the real life moments. Thank you for your prayers, for strengthening our armor, for encouragement, and for your monetary support. It all matters.
We want to encourage you to become more dependent in this next season of your journey. To trust Him so much you obey regardless. To love like Him when no love is returned. To pour into an outreach as He leads with your time, talents, and/or money. Dependency is how the Body brings Him glory-we are reminded we need Him as His body surrounds us.
We love each of you. May you succeed in depending on Him in ways you never thought possible in this upcoming season of life. Happy Christmas!
Our washer ceased functioning on Halloween day. Purchased second-hand, we weren’t guaranteed longevity with it. After unsuccessfully searching for a repairman, the reality hit hard. We needed a new washer-wet clothes mold quickly and creatures like to live in piles. Neither of those things were okay with us! A new washer was quickly delivered and crisis was averted.
But I wasn’t happy.
The new washer had taken the funds for our Christmas tree and a sewing machine for me. My response was to pout. I wish I was kidding. A few days later we had scheduled to go Christmas tree shopping. We went and window shopped. Sadly, my attitude got worse. That Sunday I cancelled plans to go purchase my sewing machine. I was knee-deep in pout.
I had shared my frustrations and sadness with a few select people. I have no doubt their prayers buoyed my spirit. And I made a choice to change my attitude. I chose to be thankful we had a washing machine at all. I also chose to let Christmas be about more than me. (basic, I know!)The next week I decided to use the washing machine box to create a tree for our home. It isn’t perfect. It falls when bumped and has cardboard showing through everywhere.
However, we made it together. We glued, cut, tore, paper clipped, aluminum foiled, decorated, ornamented, and added a string of lights. It may be my favorite tree ever.
Before adding garland, we added the ornaments with loops!
Hanging ornaments with paper clips!
Of course I brought THE hat!
Lissie Joy loves this tree!
I want to encourage you this Christmas season. I absolutely needed time to be sad, but I did not need to stay there. I’m sure you have changes surrounding you this holiday season. Find ways to deal with unmet expectations! It may mean your ornaments are strung on the wall with paper clips and ribbon. It may mean you write a Christmas letter to someone you miss more than your heart can say. Perhaps it will show up in fewer presents and more time cuddling. Perhaps His birth will be center stage when you give up the trimmings and see Him clearly. Choose to make this Christmas His. It may be your favorite-est Christmas ever.
Packing home is more than luggage and U-Haul trucks. It is Granny’s painting. It is soft blankets from a loving Nana to cuddle with in unfamiliar dark. Packing home is pictures (posed and unposed) nestled in a carry-on for safe keeping. For my big girls, it was Legos, a jillion gallon-sized ziplocks of Legos. They spend hours creating little towns with homes and shops. I think the opportunity to make your own place is a pretty big deal, especially when your parents are moving you to the other side of the planet. Literally. Then came the dolls, Kit, Camille, ZuZu, Tiana Lily, and Isabelle. Who would be in the carryons in guaranteed safety? Who would be encased in the checked baggage? Who would have to stay behind all alone? It was heartbreak for my girls to decide each doll’s fate.
For mom it was happy-colored sheers for windows. Our melamine plates, bowls, and cups…yes, 16.6 pounds of cheerful plates that wouldn’t shatter the first time they struck the tile. And books. Oodles of books. Stories as familiar as my own like The Blue Castle, The Velveteen Rabbit, and That’s Not My Dragon. It seemed nigh on impossible to fly over oceans without these friends along. Each chose a copy of His Word to bring along as well as a few studies. Movies came along, too-Barbie, SuperBook, & While You Were Sleeping. Holiday reminders of table runners, streamers, balloons, and stockings crossed the oceans, too.
The thing about moving is that everything changes-the further the distance, the more extreme the change. From new driveway to where the toilet paper is in the bathroom, it changes. From family next door to family 30 hours away by air, it changes. From being able to hop in a vehicle and run to Kroger, to arranging a taxi or grab (then hoping you can get one home when you finish!), it changes. Suddenly, your home that was your favorite place to be has become your refuge from the waves of unfamiliar that keep crashing overhead.
Packing home isn’t about things and stuff. It is the way a shell of a house becomes a place to rest, weep, laugh, heal, worship, and breathe. Our home isn’t perfection, but it hugs us when we walk in. There are faces we recognize, an old stroller by the door, and cards from back home. There are a year’s worth of notes right beside the dining room table and a photo-covered blanket on the couch. Packing home into fifty pound pieces of luggage isn’t easy, but it is key to not just surviving, but thriving.
Granny’s painting is a reminder of His promises-as is His Word.
Lissie Joy reading ‘Uni the Unicorn’ to Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Kaybrietta with ZuZu.
We brought the fort pieces with us. They love it!
Stars Hollow & a sign the Tillery’s made for us!
Friends at the end of the bed always help us sleep better.
Today marks three months since we stepped onto Indonesian soil. Three months of new and adventure. Three months of life continuing on back home. Three months of joy, tears, excitement, homesickness, and curiosity.
When the 26th pops up on the calendar, it is also a monthly reminder of His provisions, grace, and mercy. In three months, we’ve found friends, a church home, and familiar foods. We’ve seen Him calm hearts and open eyes. We’ve relied on Him as we’ve been stretched and witnessed His beautiful mercies anew each day. He is indeed faithful. Psalm 126:4-6
Jammin’ at the house 🤪[[[[[[
Eating traditional food from a banana leaf
Team from BAIS staff retreat
Elliana with her pyramid creation
Kaybrietta crashing my Bahasa Indonesian lesson
A pic of us on our first date in Indonesia ❤️😍❤️Feeding the rabbitsAll us gals
Seasons change. It is both a praise and heartache. We know He has created our lives with seasons, too. Regardless of what season you are in, know it is temporary. Similar to the world around us, sometimes seasons are long, but there are times they seem short! But they always change. Don’t lose heart if you are in winter. Keep planting Him in the soil around you. Sow His Word in your heart. Spring will come in His time!
If you haven’t heard the song, “Seasons” by Hillsong, I want to encourage you to give it a listen. Thank you for loving us in our seasons. 🌷🌞🍁❄️
Our house has been quite the buzz around here since a colony of honey bees moved in! It is bigger than a cantaloupe but not as round. And it is full of activity. Our guards refused to address it (I don’t blame them at all!) We’ve been told a firefighter will come to help soon! Until then, we are coming in through the garage door!
DAVIS JOURNEY 