Monday, March 4, 2013

Established Steps.

We are living in a world of raised eyebrows these days.

"Moving to Africa?  With your kids?  You're nuts."

My reply?  You're right.  I agree, we have lost our minds indeed.


Super done holding onto something we have never had one day of our life, control.  Control, that if we live a "safe" life full of the American Dream it will work out just right.  Are we still believing that?  I hope not.

We're not or don't want to anyways.

We want to live in such a way that others may see what we are up to and glorify our Heavenly Father [Matthew 5:16].  Now that is a life I can wrap my hands and head around.

For 3 years we felt that spending some extended time in Africa was coming.  Details?  

We are planning to be there for 3 months.

In that 3 months we are hoping to finish the adoption of #7.  We cannot wait to start the first bit of our new clan on "his turf."

In that time, we hope to find and obtain a piece of land for Redeemer House.  This has been an ongoing process for years and we will be pursuing it as much as God allows in whatever way it may look.

The verse I am holding onto these days is:

Proverbs 16:9
The heart of a man plans his way, 
but the LORD establishes his steps.

We have a notebook full of plans but we trust that it will be God establishing our steps.  


How will this look or be measured as successful?… I have no idea and really hold no expectations.  


Along the way there have been many, "you can't do thats" or "you shouldn't do that."  Recently we were told we could not even work with locals because of our lack.  


Part of what people are saying is 100% true.  


We have not known or even really understood each step of faith we have taken in the past.  This is no different.     


Will we fall?  yes.  No doubt about that.  We will do our best to seek godly wisdom and direction? yes.  Will we listen intently to others advice? yes.  We will seek to be grace filled and active learners?  yes.  Crossing the ocean does not exempt us from any that. 


There is beauty in the counsel of many and we have many beautiful counselors.


In the end we deeply desire to know Jesus more, not international missions more or even orphan care fully.  Those things are a byproduct, a bonus, a joy.


Please pray for the next steps.  May they be established by Him who hung the moon.





  

  



7 comments:

  1. So excited for you all! Can't wait to hear and see all God is going to do! I admire your obedience! I love your example! Love you all!! :)

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  2. You just keep letting that Lord of ours keep guiding your steps no matter what you hear from others. You two, are warriors for our Lord. This sister is proud of you!

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  3. So happy for your family. God is leading, and directing. You are following.

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  4. You can, you should and you will...very inspiring to read about your plans!

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  5. God is good and your walk with Him is very inspiring. Love you guys and I'm so proud I could just scream!!!

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  6. We are just so encouraged and inspired by you all! (Of course, I was looking forward to the opportunity to meet D. in person after your adoption is complete...and then you up and move over there!)

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  7. I am so excited for you guys!!! We had a family from our church move to Haiti recently - initially they had gone down there for "only 2 years" but, after less than a year, they knew the Lord was calling them to uproot and be fully planted in Haitian soil. Now their house & land is sold and they have bought land in Haiti. I am so excited for them and the impact they are having on Three Angels (a school & orphanage our church supports down there)just as I'm excited for you guys and this next step in your lives!

    I'm sure you're not, but don't let anyone tell you it's a bad idea to do what you are - God leads, and if you and Justin are seeking Him, your family will be exactly where they need to be whether in Africa or in the United States. I will be praying for you guys to show the love of Christ in all that you do and for strength to make the hard decisions you may face in the future!

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Love to hear from you!