We received out travel dates for our trip to Africa! We'll be leaving on July 8 and returning on July 25. We'll spend most of our first week near Kampala, Uganda and our second week near Mt. Kenya, Kenya. We're getting very excited!
We've narrowed down the childcare situation quite a bit more, but still have a little bit of refining to go before we're completely certain of how things are going to work out. Please pray that we will find places for our children to go that will make their time, and the time for those with them, joyful!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Marriage Get-Away...
This weekend Sarah and I have the opportunity to get-away without children for one night at the Homestead, a hotel in the hills of western Virginia. I'm really excited about the retreat and feel as though it is something that will help prepare us to make the 3 1/2 month charge through all the preparation for Africa. Please pray...
1. That our love will be exciting and new!
2. That our children will behave well with their hosts.
3. That our rest will be invigorating and renewing.
Thank you so much!
Doug
1. That our love will be exciting and new!
2. That our children will behave well with their hosts.
3. That our rest will be invigorating and renewing.
Thank you so much!
Doug
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Is it worth it...
In the last two or three weeks, as we've begun the planning process, the increased level of spiritual attack has become palpable.
It could be that my assumptions about spiritual attacks happening more when we step-out in faith are causing my eyes to open to what has really been going on all along; it could be that I notice it more because I'm looking for it more. The Devil has hated the church since the beginning and has not let up his assault since the garden. But I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that whenever I've stepped out in faith, I see/feel/sense the dark pressure mounting.
From crashed computers to mis-communications...illness to random temptations...children's nightmares to challenges at work...it all seems more intense lately.
One of the temptations is to ask the obvious question: Is it worth it? Is a two week trip to Kenya worth all these trials and temptations? Will the fruit we bear be equal to the assault?
Well, apparently the devil thinks it is worth it or he would be trying so hard to discourage and distract us. Along with that, I feel as though if we balk at the short-term mission how can we be open or prepared for the long-term mission God may want us to be a part of...the baby-step we're taking now will be an encouragement for others now and a signal to us about the boldness of our work (whether here or abroad) from here on out.
The Great Commission is worth the attack and all the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." We are committed to joy in the journey and that is what I feel is under the greatest attack.
Please pray for us that we will be wise, strong, and joyful. We cannot do this alone...we need the Holy Spirit each moment to sustain and protect us!
Thank you!!
It could be that my assumptions about spiritual attacks happening more when we step-out in faith are causing my eyes to open to what has really been going on all along; it could be that I notice it more because I'm looking for it more. The Devil has hated the church since the beginning and has not let up his assault since the garden. But I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that whenever I've stepped out in faith, I see/feel/sense the dark pressure mounting.
From crashed computers to mis-communications...illness to random temptations...children's nightmares to challenges at work...it all seems more intense lately.
One of the temptations is to ask the obvious question: Is it worth it? Is a two week trip to Kenya worth all these trials and temptations? Will the fruit we bear be equal to the assault?
Well, apparently the devil thinks it is worth it or he would be trying so hard to discourage and distract us. Along with that, I feel as though if we balk at the short-term mission how can we be open or prepared for the long-term mission God may want us to be a part of...the baby-step we're taking now will be an encouragement for others now and a signal to us about the boldness of our work (whether here or abroad) from here on out.
The Great Commission is worth the attack and all the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." We are committed to joy in the journey and that is what I feel is under the greatest attack.
Please pray for us that we will be wise, strong, and joyful. We cannot do this alone...we need the Holy Spirit each moment to sustain and protect us!
Thank you!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Unity...
The Bible talks about a married couple being "one flesh;" that a man will "cleave" to his wife. Pray for us that we will have the courage and grace to connect in a Biblical manner.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The pre-trip-trip...
We are in the Pre-Trip phase, which is a trip in itself. Finding the frontal lobe time to complete the details is a challenge, and finding the time to talk together when we are not exhausted or distracted by the 4 little ones and/or work is just as challenging.
Here's what we've accomplished this week:
1. Our passport applications are 90% complete. Still need Sarah's birth-certificate, photos of Sarah, and the number from my old (expired) passport.
2. The "rough draft" of the prayer letter, along with a rough draft of the list of those we will send it to, is done.
3. We have copies of the teaching materials...all 18 pages of single spaced notes from Phil!
In addition to all of this, we have completed our taxes, application for a school we are looking at for Abe (along with the financial aid packet), and the paperwork for getting the kids settled in my school are all complete.
Its been a paperwork heavy two days, but I know we are just scratching the surface. My goal now is to get all of the addresses in an excel file in preparation for mailing them out. I also need to make an appointment with the health department to arrange for the first round of vaccinations.
Thanks for praying!
Here's what we've accomplished this week:
1. Our passport applications are 90% complete. Still need Sarah's birth-certificate, photos of Sarah, and the number from my old (expired) passport.
2. The "rough draft" of the prayer letter, along with a rough draft of the list of those we will send it to, is done.
3. We have copies of the teaching materials...all 18 pages of single spaced notes from Phil!
In addition to all of this, we have completed our taxes, application for a school we are looking at for Abe (along with the financial aid packet), and the paperwork for getting the kids settled in my school are all complete.
Its been a paperwork heavy two days, but I know we are just scratching the surface. My goal now is to get all of the addresses in an excel file in preparation for mailing them out. I also need to make an appointment with the health department to arrange for the first round of vaccinations.
Thanks for praying!
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