Update from Jana Hoobler
Jana Hoobler has been in the States on furlough from Macau since August 2005. She tells about finishing her Master's degree this December, her parents' 50th anniversary, and things she has noticed different about the United States since her last furlough. She is now preparing to return to Macau.
"In August I headed to the States, enjoyed a few weeks of family time, and then started at Wheaton College for my last semester of classes to finally complete my master’s degree in missions and intercultural studies. At my graduation in December, the department head announced that I’d been at Wheaton longer than any of the other students (I’ve been taking classes for 11 years) and longer than two-thirds of the faculty. Needless to say, it’s nice to be done. I'm looking forward to a furlough without fulltime schooling.
"I was thankful to get back to the States in time for my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary [photo, right]. It was nice to get to be involved in the planning, going through old family photos, and the open house that we held for them. I’m so thankful for my parent’s commitment to God in their marriage for all these years.
"When I’m on furlough, I’m always reminded of the generosity of God’s people. So many of you have provided a place to stay, great meals, and quality times together. Christian professionals have offered me free dental care, free eye care, and free hair cuts. I’m humbled by this outpouring of love.
"Several people have asked me what new things I’ve noticed in the States this time back. One thing is that a paper shredder has become a common household item. Since I’m only here once every three years to sort through all my financial records, I’ve done a lot of shreddin’! Another thing that stuck out to me was the whole controversy over whether or not Christmas can still be CHRISTmas. Saying 'Happy Holidays' has connotations that it didn’t used to have.
"The Asian influence in the States is obvious all over. I’ve jokingly told my family that instead of bringing souvenirs back for them from Macau next time, I’ll just go to Wal-Mart to pick up some Asian mementos for them. The thing that’s saddened me, though, is that I’ve talked to several Christian parents whose college-aged children have been attracted to Buddhism or other forms of mysticism here in the States. It seems rather ironic to me, since I’m in Macau working to see Buddhists convert to Christianity. I think we have our work cut out for us on both sides of the world to share our faith in a way that attracts people to the Truth."