Our Family

Our Family
A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Ps. 16:9

Monday, March 19, 2012

Getting Ready...Or Am I?

So, it seems like our family moving on to continue our "Adventures in Missions" in Canada is becoming a reality.  The reason I know this is because I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things popping up that need to get done before we go. 

I'm actually grateful to tie up loose ends that should have already been tied up.  Things like getting rid of all the extra's we've accumulated over the years, updating our snail mail/email lists, finalizing life insurance policies, and getting the kids' Canadian citizenship cards.  That is just the tip of the iceberg of course, but it does feel good to at least start there.

I know so many who have been where we are, and they managed to get to the mission field in one piece, so I know it can be done.  I just don't want to ignore life/ministry/kids/husband in the process of "getting ready".  Sometimes I feel like that is exactly what is happening though.

I can relate to the disciples, when they were rebuking the people who were bringing children to Jesus so He could bless them.  We're not told what their heart's intention was in refusing the kids, but it probably was in an effort to do other, "more important" ministry.

I confess I do that with my kids sometimes.  I do other "more important" ministry things, instead of engaging with them.  So they end up watching something mindless on netflix for the wii, or wandering around the house, not sure what to do, probably thinking, "Is this the best there is?"

I can't believe I just confessed that.  But you probably already knew that about me.  You might even be like me in some way.  As I'm typing, I'm listening to Pandora Radio, and Jeremy Camp is singing "Holy fire, burn away, my desire, for anything, that is not of you, and is of me, I want more of you, and less of me."  I really do want to get rid of the things in my life that are not of Him. 

The list might be lengthy...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Things are moving along...

As usual, it's been too long since we've given an update.  I keep hoping we'll get better at this, but so far...not so much.  In any case, we do have an update, and want to share what's going on with us.

On Monday the 12th, we received the actual "official" acceptance letter from New Tribes Mission (NTM).  In the same packet was the paperwork for Bill's visa to study in Canada.  Needless to say that got us a little more excited about going.

Today I the kids drove into Tampa, to get pictures taken for their applications for a Canadian citizenship card.  They are automatically dual citizens because I'm a Canadian, but they need the documents to prove it.  I have a feeling this is only the beginning of paperwork/visas/passports due to missions!

Speaking of missions, our 3 oldest are going on a little missions trip at the end of this month.  ALL of our kids wanted to go with Teen Missions Int'l (TMI) again this year, but we just didn't see how we could raise their support, as well as support for our family to start training.  So they were really excited when an opportunity arose for them to still serve.

Most of you will remember that Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the gulf coast back in 2005.  All the camera crews and news media have long since gone, but believe it or not, MANY are still without permanent housing.  It is to a small town called Lakeshore, Mississippi that our kids, along with others from our church, will be going to, and serving. 

They will be involved in a variety of ways.  They will knock down walls of buildings that were destroyed in the hurricane and haul away debris and garbage for future and current construction sites, clean the bunkhouse and other buildings at the church camp, and help cook meals for the teams who come.  They will also spend time learning from the Bible, praying and singing together, as well as going to Lakeshore Baptist Church on Sunday morning.

They have already worked to help raise funds for the trip.  They participated in a car wash, and have spent the last 2 days baking a variety of cookies for a bake sale that will be held tomorrow.  Please join us in prayer for Bronia, Simon, and Liam. 

    *Pray that they would first seek the Lord and His kingdom. 
   
    *Pray that they would be a blessing not only to the people they will be ministering to in MS, but also to their team.

    *Pray for safety as they drive to MS.

    *Pray that the team would be able to raise all the money they need to go.

Thank you for being a part of our lives, and for continuing to support our family in different ways.  We'd also like to hear what God is doing in your lives, so please feel free to drop us a note:)