Justin is OCD'ing over this Blog thing, so I thought I'd give it a spin. I understand the need to get set up in the communications department from the get-go, but missions still seems so far off. Our every day life has not yet changed, so it's hard to focus on what's to come. Today, for instance, was totally consumed with the boyz and their stomach bug. I am thankful, however, for a husband who is able to keep his eye on the ball in the midst of the daily and Christmas hustle and bustle.
For those who don't yet know, Justin and I have accepted a missionary position in Lima, Peru beginning in January 2006. For those who know us well, this is not surprising. For those who maybe don't know our story quite so well, this will be an opportunity to get to know us better. Trust me when I say this decision has been in the making long before we even met each other. Our mutual call to the mission field is one of the strongest bonds we brought into marriage. We have now been married 4.5 years, and our two beautiful children are now past infancy. God opened some pretty incredible doors to say, "Now's the time to go."
Our children are 3yrs and 18mos, and their well being has been our top priority throughout this process. After 2yrs of age children are done with their major vaccination schedule, and only require boosters once a year until age 5. So that's more manageable than every three months. Plus, developmentally, they will be at great ages for adapting well to a foreign environment. Justin is working with them diligently on their Spanish. I'd like to say I was more of a help, but at my current ability I can simply maintain what he's taught and leave the new lessons to him. I think our oldest knows more Spanish animal names than I do :).
After trying out different avenues for serving, including other organizations and our own denomination, Food for the Hungry became our #1 organization of choice. Justin went on a short term trip to Lima, Peru with them in 2003 (the week I went into preterm labor with Nathan back at home :), and I went on a short term trip with FH to Bolivia this past July. We both asked MANY questions while we were on our trips, and we both had the same feeling when we came home..."I am a traitor for leaving these people when I know I have a role here." We attended an orientation to the organization in AZ the week before Thanksgiving and we PRAYERFULLY accepted our position last week. It's right up our alley...God truly tailored this position for us. Justin will be an assistant in the Spiritual Development Program. He'll be working with the community churches to strengthen them and the communities. I'll back him up in all he does from the homefront. In addition to holding down the fort, I will help Justin put together spiritual retreats for the other international staff along with some other spiritual staff development stuff. BUT...before we get there, much must happen on the homefront. Including packing/selling/or giving away our things and support raising.
Raising the financial support has become secondary to raising the prayer and emotional support team necessary for the success of this ministry, and through that prayer and emotional support, and the grace of God, the funds will come. We have a life back here that needs to be put into boxes and stored, as well as needs in the mission field that will require help from the people back at home. God has TRULY blessed us with many people who want to be part of this ministry, and we know that God has put us on this path for a reason. So many people have come out of the woodwork to tell us they're praying for us or even demanding that we tell them what they can do to help. This has all been very humbling to be part of such a lovely joining of people.
I must go now, it's time to put the boys down for the night, but I have to say I like this Blog thing. Now I know that people in our lives will have a place to come get an insiders look at this process, and hopefully come away with a deeper understanding of our hearts for the Lord and for the poor. Many blessings to you and yours!
In <><,
Gillian
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