Excerpt from a book we're reading... so true!!

A Vision of the Possible By: Daniel Sinclair

" Lets face it anyone who would leave family and friends; a good job; a home; one's own country, culture, and language; and move to the other side of the world where everything is so different and scary and economically poorer-not to mention hostile to the message-must be a little nuts, right? Numerous other times I have been asked, 'So you guys must really like over there, right?; expecting to hear the affirmative. After all, the reasons for going must be the adventure, the stimuation from other cultures, foreign travel, and the like. Not!
.... There's only one reason to be doing what we're doing: because Christ wants us to. Why? Because He loves all people, not just us. He wants everyone to have the opportunity to know Him-not just those who live in free, comfortable countries."

I liked this as I read it, because I feel like I am having to defend our reasons for going over and over and over! Sometimes I just want to scream, 'Don't you get it? I don't WANT to leave, I don't WANT to learn a new language, I don't WANT to figure out how to cook, shop and even pee all over again!! I don't WANT to, but God is saying He wants us to. So what do I do with that?

Idaho, long drive, great conversation, and loved the time outside.

We had a great trip to Idaho this weekend, and surprisingly some really deep and intentional conversations with almost everyone! It was great! I love have real quality time like that, especially when it isn't forced. Side note: It is supposed to be 77 degrees today and I have a sunburn on my neck from branding! Ok now I can focus again, well maybe Oasis is deciding she HAS to be in my lap if I am typing, and the incessant whining is rather convincing me that perhaps its true!!
Well, I guess the big thing that happened this weekend was the opportunity to share with some close friends and family more of what we are thinking, and doing as we pursue going to candidate school in June. Its hard for Wes and I to ask for financial support, I guess its a pride thing.. not sure... anyways, we've written up a letter, and we have about 20 singles/couples we are asking to partner us through this whole process, not just financially, actually that's really not the point at all.... its to show that we really appreciate these people and the impact on our lives. Its interesting to sit down, and take stock of one's friendships and think... who will really committ to going through this journey with us, who will really pray with us, and guide us with God's will as their driving force.... it's a hard thing to do, and very humbling to ask people to do this for us.
I had an opportunity to talk with Wes' brother and mom about us going. It was good to have the lines of communication open. My family for the most part is opposed to us going... at all... and wes' family I think is split. But the real surprise was Calebs open and unlimited amount of support AND understanding. God is really moving his heart right now. Carol is confused about how she feels, but I know her love for us will ultimately lead her to being supportive, even if she is afraid for us and will miss us.
I'm so thankful as I sit here and write for the time we had this weekend, with Chris and Meghan, and Wes' family. It was so encouraging, and refreshing. Ok, Oasis wins... time for a nap anyways, well with one eye open :)