Driving for 20 hours gives you a lot of time to think, pray and ponder all that God has been doing. Daily I am in awe of the fact that we are actually driving with our entire family down to Mexico.
I have also been thinking and praying for the family that we are building for. One of the members of our team has been journaling the fruit of the spirit and praying for Carmela and her family daily. As I ponder the impact our team will make on this family, I feel a measure of understanding in what she must be feeling.
It's so easy to feel like the hopes and dreams God gives you are just beyond your grasp. There is great desire to do what God wants you to do, but too often we feel limited by our circumstances, finances, physical limitations or more. Yet God does not desire for us to give up hope. So what are we to do?
God has been teaching me so much about giving my hopes and dreams to Him instead of putting pressure on myself or my husband to bring them to pass. I believe this is how God wants it. Scripture is clear that we are to "cast our cares on Jesus", "trust in the Lord", and "believe God for the impossible".
I don't believe that God intends for us to do His work and go into debt, forsake our responsibilities or neglect our family. In this, however, we are again faced with the big question of HOW?
With us, a mission trip (or any travel, for that matter) seemed out of reach. However, I wasn't afraid to dream. I first believed for a cruise. It seemed crazy and out of reach, but I gave it to God. Years later, we ended up winning a cruise, going on that one day mission trip and catching the vision of taking our whole family to Mexico. I remember as we were traveling home from our cruise and praying for God to give us an idea of how we could take the family. That's when He placed the idea of how to raise money as a family for our trip. We worked for years and when the door opened, the basic funds were in place.
When I said I could understand how Carmela might feel with us building a home, I am referring to that feeling of overwhelming gratitude. As we prepared for this trip, we were stunned by the generosity of those around us. We were humbled by the overwhelming response to the stolen pop bottles (20 times by the day we left).
We realized that this money given to us was not intended to stop with our family, no, we were merely the funnel to pass on this blessing that God has given us. Just as I hope that Carmela (and her grandchildren) will recognize that the expansion of her home is intended to be a blessing for her to share with those around her.
God doesn't bless us so we can hold tightly to it. No! Blessings are meant for us to pass on to those around us.
Let's endeavour to be generous with all God has given us!
an ordinary family who just wants to do what God wants
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Unforgettable
It has been an amazing day! After staying at a beautiful hotel (which again allowed our entire family to stay in a single room for no extra charge), we enjoyed a delicious complimentary breakfast and then set out for a day of seeing some amazing sights.
Following the road into Zion National Park brought scenery like we had never seen before. Already we were in the land of red rock, cacti, and palm trees. The "road to Zion" brought beautiful rock formations, breathtaking mountain passes, incredible hiking trails and an amazing day of making memories with the family.
After hiking along the bottom of the canyon, we drove to the top, experiencing dizzying heights, hairpin turns and a tunnel over 1 MILE long. . The teens and Kim hiked to the lookout and enjoyed the scenery. We even drove through (a) Hurricane!
On the down side, one little guy from the other family we are traveling with started throwing up . . . so we are praying that whatever he has will be healed quickly and that no one else will catch it!
We head to San Diego tomorrow and get one step closer on our journey to Mexico.
PS at our stop in Mesquite, we didn't have wifi, so this was from yesterday. We are on to San Diego today.
Following the road into Zion National Park brought scenery like we had never seen before. Already we were in the land of red rock, cacti, and palm trees. The "road to Zion" brought beautiful rock formations, breathtaking mountain passes, incredible hiking trails and an amazing day of making memories with the family.
After hiking along the bottom of the canyon, we drove to the top, experiencing dizzying heights, hairpin turns and a tunnel over 1 MILE long. . The teens and Kim hiked to the lookout and enjoyed the scenery. We even drove through (a) Hurricane!
On the down side, one little guy from the other family we are traveling with started throwing up . . . so we are praying that whatever he has will be healed quickly and that no one else will catch it!
We head to San Diego tomorrow and get one step closer on our journey to Mexico.
PS at our stop in Mesquite, we didn't have wifi, so this was from yesterday. We are on to San Diego today.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Power of Words
Day 2 of travel has went relatively well. No one really slept well the first night, so we were very thankful for the extra hour of sleep. According to Kim, we found the middle of nowhere (while traveling through southern Utah desert). We are over half way through the distance we need to drive--and thankful for a bit of a lighter day tomorrow.
It was sometime near midnight that I recalled an interesting event in our lives. Close to 9 years ago, Kim and I packed up our kids for a very unique field trip. I will never forget the puzzlement in the border crossing guard's voice as she questioned us, "You're going to Shelby (Montana) for ice cream?". Once we explained that we were homeschoolers, she understood and invited us in to see what a crossing station was like. We drove on down to Shelby, had some ice cream, explored the grocery store and headed home. While looking on the map, the kids asked where the road (Interstate 15) led. I told them it went to California. Abby immediately asked if we could follow it someday. I said, "Yes, someday we will take this road down to California".
Memories of this conversation came flooding back as I was pondering this amazing journey. What power there is in the spoken word! Scripture reminds us that the tongue has the ability to speak life or death.
Little did I know at the time that by speaking out in faith that we would drive that road, we were planting seeds of faith. This was long before a family mission trip was ever considered.
Never underestimate the power of our words. Maybe once we realize that we hold the power of life and death (of dreams, hopes, self-esteem, etc), we will consider how and what we speak more carefully.
My prayer for this journey is that despite fatigue, stress, uncertainly and more, our words will be chosen carefully and used to bring glory and honour to God.
On an interesting side note, we have seen license plates from 24 states and 6 provinces:)
It was sometime near midnight that I recalled an interesting event in our lives. Close to 9 years ago, Kim and I packed up our kids for a very unique field trip. I will never forget the puzzlement in the border crossing guard's voice as she questioned us, "You're going to Shelby (Montana) for ice cream?". Once we explained that we were homeschoolers, she understood and invited us in to see what a crossing station was like. We drove on down to Shelby, had some ice cream, explored the grocery store and headed home. While looking on the map, the kids asked where the road (Interstate 15) led. I told them it went to California. Abby immediately asked if we could follow it someday. I said, "Yes, someday we will take this road down to California".
Memories of this conversation came flooding back as I was pondering this amazing journey. What power there is in the spoken word! Scripture reminds us that the tongue has the ability to speak life or death.
Little did I know at the time that by speaking out in faith that we would drive that road, we were planting seeds of faith. This was long before a family mission trip was ever considered.
Never underestimate the power of our words. Maybe once we realize that we hold the power of life and death (of dreams, hopes, self-esteem, etc), we will consider how and what we speak more carefully.
My prayer for this journey is that despite fatigue, stress, uncertainly and more, our words will be chosen carefully and used to bring glory and honour to God.
On an interesting side note, we have seen license plates from 24 states and 6 provinces:)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Traveling: Day 1
Everyone was up early and ready to get out the door. Thick fog blanketed Lethbridge and Coaldale. After meeting our "traveling buddies", we headed south. Just outside of Coaldale the sun shone brightly. The border crossing was uneventful and we soon found ourselves traveling through Montana. We made a couple of wrong turns (after that, we turned OFF the GPS), but soon found ourselves straight along the I15. Despite being tired, everyone is traveling well--right down to the 3 year olds.
We are relieved to have great traveling weather, very little traffic, and interesting sights along the way. Now, after a great swim, we are thankful for an extra hour to sleep in:)
The adventure has begun, we are on the way and trusting that God will be with us and direct for every step. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future."
We are relieved to have great traveling weather, very little traffic, and interesting sights along the way. Now, after a great swim, we are thankful for an extra hour to sleep in:)
The adventure has begun, we are on the way and trusting that God will be with us and direct for every step. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future."
Friday, November 2, 2012
Ready or Not, Here We Come
If days were measured by fatigue, today would be the longest ever. . . who would have thought that getting a family of 7 ready for a 3 week trip would take so much work (and that's with 3 amazing teens who are nearly as tired as I am). . . who would have thought that having your own business would keep you working late the very night before you leave???
We have discovered that when you are tired and under pressure, things can disappear, like wallets, purses, shoes . . . we have also discovered that the 8 suitcases we tested in the back of the van fit much differently loaded . . . it's a bit squishy.
Nevertheless, we are ready for this adventure. Our itinerary is to be in Idaho Falls, followed by Saint George, a quick look at Bryce Canyon before heading to Las Vegas. We will spend 3 nights in San Diego (a day to recover and a day to visit Sea world) before meeting with more of the team and crossing into Mexico. For the next 10 days, we will be helping out wherever needed (house build, daycare, migrant camp, puppets, women's shelter, etc). We will be working with "welcome home outreach" and "new beginnings (Baja)".
We will be traveling down with great family friends (who also have 5 children) and joined by another 4 families. In all, there will be 34 of us working together. Let the adventure begin!
We have discovered that when you are tired and under pressure, things can disappear, like wallets, purses, shoes . . . we have also discovered that the 8 suitcases we tested in the back of the van fit much differently loaded . . . it's a bit squishy.
Nevertheless, we are ready for this adventure. Our itinerary is to be in Idaho Falls, followed by Saint George, a quick look at Bryce Canyon before heading to Las Vegas. We will spend 3 nights in San Diego (a day to recover and a day to visit Sea world) before meeting with more of the team and crossing into Mexico. For the next 10 days, we will be helping out wherever needed (house build, daycare, migrant camp, puppets, women's shelter, etc). We will be working with "welcome home outreach" and "new beginnings (Baja)".
We will be traveling down with great family friends (who also have 5 children) and joined by another 4 families. In all, there will be 34 of us working together. Let the adventure begin!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Last Frantic Prep--My Thoughts
Well, we now have less then 2 days to get ready. The only time I felt exhaustion like this was during the first few weeks with a newborn--late nights, early mornings and disrupted sleep with thoughts of what else needs to be done waking me up at odd hours. Nevertheless, 2 days from now we will be on the road, ready or not.
Today is probably my busiest day (as I sit at McDonalds waiting for a quick tranny check on the van). Even in this crazy day, I know God will be my strength. He continually amazes me with His supernatural provision and care!
There is no doubt in my mind we are to be going to Mexico. Amidst the craziness, frantic preparations and fatigue, there is a deep peace and anticipation of what God is about to do.
It feels like the coming together of what God has been teaching me (and in turn, our family), since early spring.
So what do I anticipate? First of all, a big adventure. Our family loves to have fun. We tend to look at the lighter side of things and try to see all the amazing things that God presents to us. This is why I am so excited about the drive down. Seeing the landscape change, new states, sights and road will be amazing. As well, just conquering the 30 + hours drive each way is a feat in itself.
I am also anticipating broken hearts--in a good way. My children have never witnessed people living in extreme poverty. We will all see that children are children everywhere who need love, want to play and want to be accepted. My daughters will see girls their own age who have been forced to grow up way too fast (oh how this breaks my heart).
My children will see that a relatively small financial donation ($3800) can make a huge impact on a family when it provides a home for them. They can also witness their hard work turning into a home!
My prayer is that we will witness miracles! I want my children to come to know the incredible power of God like never before, and that His love will flow through them supernaturally as they reach out to those around them.
I know that we will come home more excited about missions, with hearts that are willing to sacrifice here in order to make a difference in the world around us.
This mission trip isn't a culmination of all we've been hoping and saving for, this is only the beginning and the best is yet to come!
Today is probably my busiest day (as I sit at McDonalds waiting for a quick tranny check on the van). Even in this crazy day, I know God will be my strength. He continually amazes me with His supernatural provision and care!
There is no doubt in my mind we are to be going to Mexico. Amidst the craziness, frantic preparations and fatigue, there is a deep peace and anticipation of what God is about to do.
It feels like the coming together of what God has been teaching me (and in turn, our family), since early spring.
So what do I anticipate? First of all, a big adventure. Our family loves to have fun. We tend to look at the lighter side of things and try to see all the amazing things that God presents to us. This is why I am so excited about the drive down. Seeing the landscape change, new states, sights and road will be amazing. As well, just conquering the 30 + hours drive each way is a feat in itself.
I am also anticipating broken hearts--in a good way. My children have never witnessed people living in extreme poverty. We will all see that children are children everywhere who need love, want to play and want to be accepted. My daughters will see girls their own age who have been forced to grow up way too fast (oh how this breaks my heart).
My children will see that a relatively small financial donation ($3800) can make a huge impact on a family when it provides a home for them. They can also witness their hard work turning into a home!
My prayer is that we will witness miracles! I want my children to come to know the incredible power of God like never before, and that His love will flow through them supernaturally as they reach out to those around them.
I know that we will come home more excited about missions, with hearts that are willing to sacrifice here in order to make a difference in the world around us.
This mission trip isn't a culmination of all we've been hoping and saving for, this is only the beginning and the best is yet to come!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Getting Closer and Pondering the Impact
We are another day closer to Mexico and the reality of leaving in just a few days is hitting me. In one way, 3 weeks doesn't seem like very long, but in another way, it will be a good length.
As I talked to my teens, I realized that they are quite realistic about what to expect. The biggest challenge my girls anticipate is the language barrier, especially with the children. They realize how quickly the trip will fly by, and how different it will be returning home.
Nathan's most unsure about adjusting back to life here. I agree. We will just finish building a home the size of our living room, only to come back to the most commercialized and potentially selfish time of year--Christmas. This could be the worst time to go . . . or is it?
For years we've tried to shift our Christmas focus from getting to giving. However, with a very generous extended family, this has proven to be quite challenging.
It was 2 years ago that we finally felt a distinct shift. Most of the family had the opportunity to serve Christmas dinner to those who wouldn't have celebrated if it hasn't been for this special meal. Meals were served, gifts given, dishes washed, all with the focus on others. The family came home and enjoyed a late meal. It wasn't until much later that the gifts under the tree were even considered.
Last year, we again tried to focus on giving instead of getting and had our eyes opened to the fact that Christmas doesn't always hold warm memories for each person.
This year, we are hoping for an even more distinct shift. We are endeavouring to find ourself in a place of contentment with less (so challenging when living in a land of excess). This shift needs to take place first in our hearts, before it can be demonstrated outwardly, and Mexico may be the best jolt of reality our family will experience at this time.
Whatever the lessons are that God brings to our family, we know that there is a reason we are to go and that in this journey we will not come back unchanged.
As I talked to my teens, I realized that they are quite realistic about what to expect. The biggest challenge my girls anticipate is the language barrier, especially with the children. They realize how quickly the trip will fly by, and how different it will be returning home.
Nathan's most unsure about adjusting back to life here. I agree. We will just finish building a home the size of our living room, only to come back to the most commercialized and potentially selfish time of year--Christmas. This could be the worst time to go . . . or is it?
For years we've tried to shift our Christmas focus from getting to giving. However, with a very generous extended family, this has proven to be quite challenging.
It was 2 years ago that we finally felt a distinct shift. Most of the family had the opportunity to serve Christmas dinner to those who wouldn't have celebrated if it hasn't been for this special meal. Meals were served, gifts given, dishes washed, all with the focus on others. The family came home and enjoyed a late meal. It wasn't until much later that the gifts under the tree were even considered.
Last year, we again tried to focus on giving instead of getting and had our eyes opened to the fact that Christmas doesn't always hold warm memories for each person.
This year, we are hoping for an even more distinct shift. We are endeavouring to find ourself in a place of contentment with less (so challenging when living in a land of excess). This shift needs to take place first in our hearts, before it can be demonstrated outwardly, and Mexico may be the best jolt of reality our family will experience at this time.
Whatever the lessons are that God brings to our family, we know that there is a reason we are to go and that in this journey we will not come back unchanged.
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