His Story

Unashamedly, two of my greatest heroes are my mom and dad.  Especially when I consider their lives and faithfulness.  Everytime I read it I think of them:

Psalm 92:14, "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him."

100 bed Hoa Khan Children's Hospital

My mama, she packed two babies on her hips and daddy held the other one, three children two and under, and they boarded a plane for war-torn Vietnam.  Right at the wrong time.  Who wanted to go to Vietnam in 1969? My daddy did, and not without his woman at his side,     to help heal little 

bodies in the name of Christ.  

 

And they stayed for five years, me being born after four and heading back again for one more until God delivered them just in the nick of time.  And my mama, she calls those her "skinny years," the stress of war and uncertainty taking a toll.  And they tell stories of sleeping in their bed with flak jackets on top of us all when the shooting got close, and children coming in with no limbs, the sad product of land mines.  And even though God did get us out three days before Da Nang fell to the North Vietnamese, my daddy still tears up when he talks about those children they had to leave behind in their hospital beds.  My whole life I have heard stories of God's faithfulness and I watched it lived out in my home.  Surely I am a steward of such a past and such a family.

Back to Vietnam after my birth

Headed to Taiwan in 1976

And that doesn't even include the incredible stories of the family I married into, with Dave's grandparents being sustained in a Japanese civilian concentration camp in China while they were

missionaries, his other grandma growing up as a missionary kid in Korea.   And parents who left comfortable small-town Montana to head to the bustling city of Hong Kong.  And all of that to say, we don't go overseas just because that's what our families do, but we have to decide what to do with the abundance that has been poured out on us.  How can we use these small, wispy vapors of lives to the best of our abilities?  How can we pour out what has been poured in, particularly in terms of the people who have discipled us extensively and the examples of Godly Christians that we have been privileged to learn from?

1. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
   To win all nations unto thee;
   And through the truth that comes from God,
   We all shall then be truly free.
2. Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
   We will be true to thee till death.

 

Safety First?

God has been so faithful in the past few months, narrowing down our options beautifully from about eight realistic ones to two right now.  We are excited about both of these and continue to pray that He would finalize the right place for us.  

In the process of applying with a mission, being accepted with them and getting several pages of current openings with Dave's skills and gifts, I have been confronted again with the questions that nagged me before we ever went on the mission field; mainly, "Is it safe?"  

I grew up in a home where probably the most frequent statement we heard was, "You are never safer than when you are in the center of God's will."  This was not just a saying; my parents had lived this out practically in amazing ways (more on that next time!).  This became a part of all of us--we really believed it.  Stepping into a "dangerous" place always brings it back up for me, especially when it is frequently asked by others. 

 "Is where you lived safe?" 

 "Is where you are going safe?" 

 "Is it safe for your kids there?"

 "Is it safe to have a baby there?"

Well, isn't safe relative?  I mean, we would have thought it crazy if someone asked if it was safe for us to go to the Boston Marathon, right?  Who would have guessed what could have happened?  And when we look at "safe" or "unsafe" places in the world, we have to look in light of a sovereign, kind God who has our days numbered and our lives in His hands.  And still, when I hear about an opportunity in Nigeria, pictures like this come to mind:

And I have to question my own philosophy. 

And no, we're not on our way to Nigeria, as far as we know.  But it is a good process to walk through, examining motives and commitment.  

We dealt with this after the robbery at Mavuno as well.  

We cannot look our children in the eyes and tell them that it will never happen again.  We cannot even say that if it happens again that God will keep us all alive; only that He will keep us safe, and safe might mean going home to Him.  And that if we spend our lives trying to save our lives, we will often walk away from what we are called to.

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matt. 10:39

The Potter is up to something grand (as always!)

There were misty eyes around the table for the second time this year; only this time they were from sheer delight and disbelief that something this good could come to our family.   And then there was dancing past bedtimes and “what are we going to name it?!” and “we’re gonna have a baby, we’re gonna have a baby!” as they bounced on beds.   Their one disappointment has been that it isn’t twins.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

All this bursting joy that God, in His sovereign grace and kindness, would bless us with such a gift. We are all in wonder.  As Dave says, #7 is kind of like bungee jumping—terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.  And to the question, “weren’t  you done having kids?” the answer is “Yes, we thought we were done after #4, but God keeps giving us these beautiful bonus babies, truly the reward He says they are. 

Sobering to think who we would have missed out on...!

"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands'? Isaiah 45:9

This little plum-sized person is already filling our home with hope and excitement, and we are eager to see what tremendous plans God has for him (or her, but there are many in this home rooting for a “him”.)

Meggy has already called dibs on the baby, and our greatest “problem” will most likely be trying to get through the crowd of siblings to actually hold our own child.  We are so thankful that God does have very specific things to say about children.  They are not, as the world will so quickly tell us, a burden—they are a blessing and God uses them each day to sand down our sharper edges that still need smoothing, and build our faith in new ways. 

Stepping Heavenward, the diary of a woman from age 16 to the end of her life, has been one of my long-time favorite books.  In the midst of her childbearing years, with another baby on the way, a well-meaning friend says how sad she is to hear that she is having another child…

 “She says I shall now have one mouth the more to fill and two feet the more to shoe, more disturbed nights, more laborious days, and less leisure or visiting, reading, music, and drawing.

Well! This is one side of the story, to be sure, but I look at the other. Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!”

--Elizabeth Prentiss, Stepping Heavenward

Praising God, from whom all blessings flow!

summer

Water, water everywhere...all of it drinkable!

We went to a water park on our way back from Colorado.  Dave caught me staring into space, "watching" the kids on the slides.   

Thanks for ruining it!" he said with a smile when I told him I was thinking about Mama Eunie, our neighbor in Tanzania, carrying every drop of water on her head for her family.  Here we were, gallons and gallons of clean water coursing through plastic tubes all in the name of fun.  And it was fun!And we didn't have to tell the kids to make sure not to get water in their mouths, like we do in the shower 

back in Africa. 

 

And the water just kept coming and coming, a never ending gush of freshness while I pictured the village girls walking on dusty roads, even the little girls trying not to spill a drop. 

 And such is life while we enjoy being back and try not to forget what we  know is how much of the world lives.  
***

Colorado beckoned to us, after several friends mentioned Missionary Training International's Debrief and Renewal program and our church graciously provided for us to go. 

Our fearless facilitators, George and Connie.  What a blessing they were!

 What could have taken several years to process and unwind from (or maybe it never would have happened?) took place in a week.  What a blessing to be poured into by such kind, compassionate people who minister to missionaries year-round.  The children also had special classes that helped them understand transition, change, culture, and relationships.  Incredible!  And when people ask if it gave us new direction, it didn't.  But what it did was help us understand how to proceed in a God-honoring way; not giving constantly from our reserves, but giving from the overflow of time spent with Christ, in quiet, being renewed. Essential encouragement for every Christian!  

learning about a "pair-a-ducks" (paradox) taught the children about appreciating the good and bad in each culture.

It is an exciting process, investigating new opportunities.  In one sense, we are in a similar spot that we were eight years ago, only our passion is a little more realistic :) and we have the added advantage of a little bit of experience on our side.  

Dave's current work: large machinery and beautiful scenery--what more could he ask for!

 We are eager to see what is on the horizon.  And for now, our challenge is just to learn better how to live wisely here: not to be constantly guilty or discontent, but to enjoy this life with gratitude to God.  Enjoying friends, fellowship, worship in our own language and great teaching in church
and on the ever-so-fast internet
is not hard to get used to!

Every time I think about posting these days, I wonder how on earth to put into words what my heart is feeling.  But you faithful pray-ers out there have been a tremendous blessing as we have tried to sort through this season of life!  

Home #2

As our bodies adjust from 

to this

,

our minds and hearts also try to soak in the reality of such a different life.  

What a blessing to come back to such sweet, gracious friends, incredible teaching

 and yes, the comforts of American life.  

Coming from solar power (no heating elements), we found it rather revolutionary to use a dryer

and a toaster

and we could use them 

at

the

same

time.

The kids were really excited yesterday when they saw an incredible machine on the road while we were driving.

It was the street cleaner.

In Mwanza, they wear a blue apron and hard hat and use a real broom.

 I took Katie into Target the other day and she spotted the toy aisle, staring with wonder, 

"Mommy, I love America."

You can have two homes, you don't have to pick.

Those were the wise words a friend said to me before we left.  

So we enjoy the sweetness of this home, even while we miss the familiarity of the other one.

And we may have officially reached the point in our lives

where we cannot be any one place 

without aching for the other...

while learning to be content

"in all things."

For all of you who have asked us what's next, 

let me clear it all up for you:

we have no idea!

We know we have options, we know our heart is to be in Africa,

but we have no clear direction and have come to the conclusion that there are things we need to learn and ways we need to grow before God does make it clear to us.  

So it is a good season of waiting, resting, and finding our confidence in Him.

Isaiah 30:15&18

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...

...the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. 

For the LORD is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Psalm 138:8

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;

Your love, O LORD, endures forever--

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Goodbyes!

Our last several weeks have been full!  

what to do when the furniture is moved out?  Chalk all over the floors! :)

We managed to get all our things sorted and packed/stored/sold, much to our relief!  I suppose you don't know how much you have until you have to make a decision for every item.  We are so thankful for God's strength and wisdom as we finished out at Mavuno.  

Our regular Sunday after-church greetings and singing

Dinner with Musa, Lucy and two others

We had several farewell get-togethers and many, many goodbyes.  Leaving definitely made us realize how precious our friendships were and how thankful we are for the people God has put in our lives.  

Our monthly Bible study ladies--what a blessing they have been in my life!

We headed from the hot, isolated bush....

to London. 

getting a little rest before the Nairobi-London flight

 What a fabulous city, and 20 million people in one location was obviously a big difference for us.  Along with some amazing historical sites (well, most of London is historical by American standards!), we were also able to get together with friends from Africa and even highschool.  What a blessing!  

Hitesh and Lucy Mistry, former Mavuno volunteers and good friends!

Beth Ann--we have been friends since we were tiny!

Mike and Marie and family, who we know from Africa

The kids were most impressed by the Tower of London, St. Paul's cathedral, the castle we visited, and all the clean, shiny bathrooms everywhere we went.  And hearing, "Wow! this place smells GOOD!" about the bathroom made us realize again how different everything was for them.

Sitting at the boarding gate in London at the moment, I can't help but reflect on how great God has been to us, how He has provided for us every single day and how He continues to bless us.  

We are looking forward to seeing many of you soon!