January 2011
As you read this, we will most likely be experiencing our first week of living in America. The emotions we are experiencing range from extreme excitement to deep sadness, and just about everything in between. As I sit here writing this newsletter my stomach clenches in a knot at the thought of saying goodbye to Daleen's parents, yet I am filled with peace, knowing that we are being obedient to all that God has shown us over the past 2 years.
Africa
Africa has gotten under my skin and grabbed a portion of my heart that previously laid dormant. From my first two-week trip in 1994, Africa has seeped and finagled its way into the deepest parts of who I am. Rugby, cricket, netball and soccer. Embracing new cultures, discovering that different isn't necessarily right or wrong, learning to accept, and contending for people that I love. The African bush, the unbelievable wildlife, the red-orange dirt and the incredible sunsets. New rhythms of life, margin in my day, life-changing challenges and a quietening of my spirit.
Generosity Abounding
It's not always easy to give hilariously, but Daleen and I can both attest to the fact that we have been unable to out-give God. Over the past few months, we were constantly faced with opportunities to give to others as we purged our life of material things. Each time we responded in faith, which sometimes took some real soul-searching, God would somehow meet one of our needs in a way that we could have never foreseen. These “gifts” ranged from words of encouragement to free cars, and everything in between.
We also know that many of you have bathed this transition in prayer. To know that people are walking with us in a spirit of prayer has given us the confidence to face the challenges, and continue the journey toward our next assignment. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity of spirit.
Goodbye
There is nothing like packing up your house, and all your belongings, to put life in perspective. You will quickly realize that who you are is not contained in what you have. As we surveyed our “things,” we realized that the important things that we wanted to take with us were the things of the heart. Photos, artwork, special gifts, etc. were the things that won out in the end, and the rest was either sold or given away. Those of you who have done it will know that there is something freeing, almost cleansing, about this process.
However, the most difficult thing about leaving is saying goodbye to the people we love. In light of this, we would like to ask if you would join us in praying for Daleen's parents. Our move to America means that both of their children and all their grandchildren will be living in the U.S. They are also in the process of relocating from a 250-acre piece of land in a nature reserve to a small house in a retirement village. Daleen's father continues to have dialysis three times a week and is also battling blood cancer. We pray that God would comfort, heal and renew them in a special way in the days and months to come.
As we land in Minnesota, our family begins a new chapter of life, and a new season of ministry. We will need to settle into a home, establish our team, and submerge into the rhythms of the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul, MN. Our whole family is excited to begin exploring this new place that we will call home.
We arrive on American soil with no furniture, no appliances, and very few winter clothes. If you would like to partner with us as we get settled, then please click here. Thank you for journeying with us as we explore the unforced rhythms of grace.
