Praise the Lord we have returned safely to Indonesia!! What a joy to arrive and see everyone out here again. As of right now we are trying to get readjusted to life and school. The teachers teaching my classes are relieved that I am able to take my classes back as that was an extra burden that had been placed on them. So thankyou to all those who helped.
Arriving home we had to fix our car, a/c, motorbike, washing machine, clock,.... It just seems like in Indonesia if things do not get used they break down. So we are still working on getting our house back up and running.
The kids are loving school again (only two days in) and really enjoying their friends. Arriving back to Indonesia we suddenly have two independent kids. They are making their beds, getting totally ready for school by themselves, tying their own shoes, helping with supper, setting the table. I just can not believe what is happening! Our kids are growing up. We pray that they continue to grow in the knowledge of Christ as well.
I continue to meditate on John 15 and James 4 where we are supposed to remain in Him and draw close to Him. If we do this we will be fruitful and God will draw close to us. This is my desire to be fruitful and be close to God. May we all be drawing nearer to HIM!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, September 06, 2010
Back to packing
Here is a pick of J and Janna
Well our family is back to packing. We will pack and get ready in Herbert and then we will be packing in BC. Our itinerary right now is to fly to BC on the 10th and then fly back to Indonesia on the 15th. Our family has had a great time in Canada/US so far but are beginning to want to head HOME!
Thank you everyone who was willing to take time to talk with us and encourage us. It was great to see each one of you.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Furlough
Well we are almost done furlough and so much has happened. We continue to be blessed by our supporters here in Canada. Once again I must apologize for the lack of writing in here, (excuse time) but furlough is one crazy time!!
We have been in the provinces of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and all of the states between here and California. Lots of visiting and sharing the vision that we have of continuing the work of keeping Missionary Children Educated. It is quite a goal and Hillcrest International School is doing a great job at meeting this vision. Janna and I continue to feel called and are excited about returning to Indonesia.
We leave on Sept 15th and will hit the ground running as school has already been underway for almost a month. We are so thankful for the teachers that have been teaching my classes while I took this time to meet with supporters and try to find some time to relax and get rejuvinated for the coming years.
I just continue to be struck by the power that the Bible has in our lives. I am currently reading and studying through James. Wow! While studying James you will be moved to change your life. I am still trying to wrap my mind around James' message, be joyful during the hard times. The Lord has won and we MUST believe that He wants the best for us.
Next post will most likely be from Indonesia!!
We have been in the provinces of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and all of the states between here and California. Lots of visiting and sharing the vision that we have of continuing the work of keeping Missionary Children Educated. It is quite a goal and Hillcrest International School is doing a great job at meeting this vision. Janna and I continue to feel called and are excited about returning to Indonesia.
We leave on Sept 15th and will hit the ground running as school has already been underway for almost a month. We are so thankful for the teachers that have been teaching my classes while I took this time to meet with supporters and try to find some time to relax and get rejuvinated for the coming years.
I just continue to be struck by the power that the Bible has in our lives. I am currently reading and studying through James. Wow! While studying James you will be moved to change your life. I am still trying to wrap my mind around James' message, be joyful during the hard times. The Lord has won and we MUST believe that He wants the best for us.
Next post will most likely be from Indonesia!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Canada, home or visiting...
We have returned to land that Janna and I grew up in and thought that we understood. Living in Indonesia for 7 years has opened our eyes to so many new things and areas in our lives that God would like us to grow in. You are always excited to come to Canada and eat some of the foods that you love (even though your stomach does not like them), to drive on a different side of the road, and to see the country side that you grew up with. But the real reason that a person comes "home" is to meet family members and refresh and take a cultural break.
It is absolutely amazing to see family and hang out again. Family is so important to a support structure whether it be in T.key, Indonesia, or Canada. As I get older I continue to realize that family needs to take time, energy, and genuine care. The idea that because we are family we will just get along, is preposterous. I am so thankful I have been born into a family that really puts effort into relationship and spending time together. I sense this same attitude needed in regards to the community of the church. It takes time and genuine effort to get along and be effective as a family. If we are to support each other as families and as a church body we need to show genuine care and selflessness.
We have now been in Canada for two days and I must say that I have experienced some culture stress as I have returned to the country where everything is supposed to be understandable and customer driven. Shopping has been more difficult than expected and of course the jet lag continues to take hold of our kids. So be it Indonesia or Canada the Bible is the place to go. It just once again makes me realize that where ever I go on earth I am still an alien. I just do not belong here, I am here to glorify, to be used, to give up myself for Christ. Our home is heaven and we each have a purpose and a plan that Jesus through the word will reveal to us.
I came across a quote right at the beginning of a book that have just begun that is powerful to me.
He sustains all, but is himself independent of all. He gives to all, but is enriched by none. Such a God cannot be found out by searching. He can be known only as he is revealed to the heart by the Holy Spirit through the Word. AW Pink
Powerful stuff. We are on this earth for others not for ourselves. God does not need us. We need him. We should not be striving to be great Christians, we should be striving to be grateful Christians.
It is absolutely amazing to see family and hang out again. Family is so important to a support structure whether it be in T.key, Indonesia, or Canada. As I get older I continue to realize that family needs to take time, energy, and genuine care. The idea that because we are family we will just get along, is preposterous. I am so thankful I have been born into a family that really puts effort into relationship and spending time together. I sense this same attitude needed in regards to the community of the church. It takes time and genuine effort to get along and be effective as a family. If we are to support each other as families and as a church body we need to show genuine care and selflessness.
We have now been in Canada for two days and I must say that I have experienced some culture stress as I have returned to the country where everything is supposed to be understandable and customer driven. Shopping has been more difficult than expected and of course the jet lag continues to take hold of our kids. So be it Indonesia or Canada the Bible is the place to go. It just once again makes me realize that where ever I go on earth I am still an alien. I just do not belong here, I am here to glorify, to be used, to give up myself for Christ. Our home is heaven and we each have a purpose and a plan that Jesus through the word will reveal to us.
I came across a quote right at the beginning of a book that have just begun that is powerful to me.
He sustains all, but is himself independent of all. He gives to all, but is enriched by none. Such a God cannot be found out by searching. He can be known only as he is revealed to the heart by the Holy Spirit through the Word. AW Pink
Powerful stuff. We are on this earth for others not for ourselves. God does not need us. We need him. We should not be striving to be great Christians, we should be striving to be grateful Christians.
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