Hannah's Birthday

Packing continues. The Helms graciously allowed us the use of their back yard for Jonathan and I to build a 10 x 10 storage shed for our belongings that will remain in the U.S. We are crating about 250 cu. ft. to ship back to the Philippines, mostly books, kitchen items, and clothes. Our departure is Saturday morning, March 8, with arrival in Manila on Sunday near midnight. We’ll spend two days in Manila, then fly to Iloilo on Wednesday morning, March 12.

I want to thank each one who sent a letter to Hannah for her 18^th birthday last February 6. About 30 folks gave her a surprise celebration at the Helms home. They blessed Hannah with many words of affirmation. Two words I kept hearing were “intelligent” and “mature”. As my brother, Steve, pointed out, Hannah inherited her mental abilities from Jan. As for the "mature" part, I wish I could lay claim to that, but I can’t. Maturity is not inherited; it is earned by making right choices with our time and resources.

For example, five years ago, the day after her 13^th birthday, Hannah flew to Manila for a week-long camping trip with some other MK’s (missionary kids). This was Hannah’s first extended time to be away from home. Before they left for the camping trip, the mother of one of the MK’s dropped the girls off at Mega-Mall in central Manila.

“You girls stroll around for a while,” was the mother’s instruction, “and I’ll be back in a few hours to pick you up.”

After passing through some stores, they came to the cinema area. “Hey, here’s a cool movie,” said one of the girls, “I’ve got enough money for all of us. Let’s go watch it!”

Hannah looked at the poster advertisement and her spirit immediately told her that this was not a good, wholesome movie. “No, I don’t think we should watch a movie,” Hannah suggested.

“Ah, come on, Hannah. This one is rated PG-13, and you turned 13 yesterday. You can watch it.”

Hannah replied, “But I don’t think my parents would want me to watch it.”

“But they’re not here,” persisted one of the MK’s. “Besides, they will never know you watched it.”

Hannah wisely said, “But God will know it.”

The other MK’s conceded and they spent the rest of their time at Starbucks.

Maturity is developed by habitually making right choices at crucial times, which frees God to place His Spirit upon a young person’s life. Intelligence can be handy, but only spiritual maturity guarantees success in God’s eyes (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). I am grateful that Hannah is mighty in Spirit, because she has made the best choices when they have mattered the most. Again, I can’t take credit for it (wish I could). But God is at work in her life. And it is a joy to watch.