Getting connected

It is funny how a few months ago when we were applying to CTEN (Commission to Every Nation), that we had no idea how much work it would be just to make contact with the people we have made friends with over our lives to rally support for our mission.  We are beginning to get ready for our first big mail out this week and of course Canada post still remains on strike.  However we have faith that this will not hinder us in getting our message out (thank you Blogger, Facebook, and email!).

Part of what CTEN taught us is that our mission in Guatemala is really only half of our job.  As we forge partnerships with people in Canada to make the work at Casa Hogar possible we are using this opportunity to develop community that wasn't there before.  This shift in thinking extends our ministry much further than we intended.  Sure the vision is to see these girls succeed in Guatemala to become self sustaining women in Christ, but the unwritten vision is to involve our partners in Canada to shape their hearts in helping these girls in need.

I always thought missionaries were lucky people being able to go off to far off places and doing amazing work for God.   This made me underplay the importance of the supporter who stays at home, "not taking the risk".  My view has changed significantly with this and it inspires me to have those who are involved with supporting us to be an active part of the decision making.

My encouragement to our blog followers and supporters is to post comments.  As our family goes through this year of big changes you may give us ways to look at a problem differently or connect us with resources and people that can help.

So follow along with us and keep us in your prayers as we journey together.

Planning for the Unknown

Today has been a shift in gears with trying to find someone to rent our house.  Thanks to sites like Kijiji this has made the advertising very easy however the flood of people responding is a bit overwhelming.  Mandy says it feels like we are exposing ourselves, which is pretty much true.  That reminds me that I need to clean up the underwear off the floor and quickly hide all the small messes around the house!!

Aside from renting our house we are starting our mailing campaign for support this week.  We couldn't have timed it any better in the midst of a postal strike.  Going through these stresses has forced us to become more faithful in God.  In all honesty I am not worried, but I do feel stretched.

Preparing for a year without a salary and no real defined work day is a challenge.  Today when I was reading the bible I came across this verse in Luke 18:29,30
 "'Truly I tell you,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life'"

Reading passages like this gives me confidence in what we are called to do.  I don't personally think God is going to bestow material riches by committing to a work term in Guatemala (not that it is impossible), but I believe that he will make us rich in relationship, which is far greater in value.

This time of preparation is like swallowing horse pills as you humble yourself to being exposed to everyone about your home, finances, and spiritual walk.  Regardless getting through this time is what builds character as we surge forward towards Guatemala.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a house to rent you can find it on Kijiji here and you could help us check off one more unknown off our list.

Home Sweet Home

It's a remarkable thing, really.  Stepping off an airplane and within twenty minutes driving our own vehicle down the highway.  I'm sure the novelty wears off for those who do this on a weekly basis, but I am amazed at the miracle of flight!  I gained a more in depth appreciation after visiting the "Wright Brothers" museum in Kitty Hawk this past spring.  With all that said, we are safely home from Texas.

We surprised the kids and picked them up from school on Friday.  I was reminded of how much they love and adore their dad.  Max nearly took him to the ground when he saw Matt.  I loved the collective chatter as we drove home with the kids.  We have jumped quickly back into the swing of things.... soccer games, playdates, work and yes.....weeding the garden.

Speaking of dads, I am married to the most amazing father and husband.  I thank God daily for the best friend I could EVER have.  Wishing you a restful father's day!

The mission starts!!!

Hello to everyone,

Welcome to our blog space.  My wife Mandy and I have been accepted to a mission organization recently called Commission to Every Nation (CTEN).  We currently are in Texas slightly north of San Antonio for training before we embark on our year long mission to Jalapa, Guatemala.  We want to use this space to invite you into our mission experience at an all girls orphanage and shelter called Casa Hogar.

Our family of five has served at Casa Hogar for the last two summers to address some of the felt needs there and to improve the facility.  Now we are committed to extend our stay and work closely with the girls to impact their lives through Christ's love.

Looking forward to interacting with you as our family journeys through this adventure.