And the Adventure Continues. . .

Little did we know how our life wold be shaken upside down after a brief little meeting. Our intent was to meet with our pastor and tell him how missions impacted our family and offer to try to bring more mission awareness to our church. We were given a couple things to work on and life returned to normal, or so I thought . . .

It all started with an amazing conference that ended Feb 2. Kim felt strongly to go set up chairs that afternoon. I was battling a cold and had a couple sick kids, so I was more inclined to stay at home. Kim followed his heart and was at the church at the same time our pastor was. In their brief encounter, our world was shaken--a lot! Our pastor asked us to consider going overseas, first as part of a mission team, and then to perhaps consider going as a family for longer term . . . Surrender! This was not something we could wrap our minds around. . .but we could not escape God's nudge to probe this deeper.

Thankfully, it's been a step by step process on this journey. We've talked to many people who know us, our hearts, our passions, and our family dynamics. What shocked me is how many have seen us as a missions-minded family for many years . . .hmm, we just want to be where God wants us, it's not about the adventure of going overseas, but just being where God has you.

Take this last week, for instance: we hosted our 5th Japanese exchange student. In the past, we've had good connections, and some that were not so easy. Our purpose to host isn't about it being easy for us, but instead being able to share our lives with someone from another country, help them feel welcome and get to know and understand their culture more. This time, there was something different about our student. She had a gentleness about her, but there was something more. She loved church on Sunday, and connected incredibly with Abigail, our oldest. Tuesday, she joined our teens for a Master's Commission (discipleship training for a group of teens involved in children's ministry at our church). When the teens were home, my daughter felt the need to share a bit of what we believe with Naoka. To our amazement, she asked Christ into her heart that night! What an incredible reminder that God uses us wherever we are at!

Back to our adventure . . .we submitted a résumé and prayed. Our family had reached a place that if this was what God had, He would have to show us. After meeting with the director of missions with our church organization, we've been encouraged to go to Africa this summer and check out two areas to see if either of these would be a "fit" for our family.

So . . .Kim and I will be visiting Kenya and Rwanda in the beginning of July for 2 weeks! From there, we are trusting God will show us clearly if we are to return with our whole family.

We appreciate your prayers as we trust God for:
Clarity--that we would know His will
Wisdom--in how to stay balanced and focused right now
Provision-- for the flights and for Kim's work (and perhaps the right apprentice)

I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a brand new adventure!