Leaving the Nest

I've been pondering this subject for a LONG time.  Even during our previous term in Argentina, did I dwell on the fact that my oldest was growing up.  There were many benchmarks along the way, moments that I knew that this would be the last time that we would do certain things that had become daily, weekly or even yearly rituals shared as a family.  I would inwardly grieve each benchmark, knowing that the dynamics of our family would soon change.

Family has always been important to me.  I was the oldest of two children growing up in my parent's home in northern California.  I was somewhat adventuresome and enjoyed spending my summers with my grandparents and my aunts and uncles.  I loved the great outdoors of northern California with it's pine covered mountains and pristine lakes, but there was something about the big city that lured me during those summer visits.  I didn't think twice about leaving home during those summers; it was an adventure.  I eventually left home upon graduation to live with my aunt and uncle in the big city.  Later I moved nearly 2,000 miles away to attend Bible college in Iowa.

Most children never realize the emotional turmoil their parents suffer when "leaving the nest."  I didn't.  I knew what I felt as a young girl leaving home, excitement and adventure overshadowed by a few painful moments as I waved goodbye to my parents.  I never fully comprehended their loss, until now.

Recently I was sharing these thoughts with my own mom and dad.  Mom reminded me of those summers long ago when I would leave home to spend my break with extended family.  She told me how she grieved those summers and then later when I left for college, she said, "It was the saddest time of my life".

Life has now come full circle.  "Leaving the nest" is bittersweet.  I recognize the spirit of adventure has been passed down to my son and I would never want to pull him back to the safety of the nest.  I have taught him everything that I know to prepare him for this adventure and he is ready to take flight.  For this I give God the glory!  Yes, I'm sad to see him go, I cannot deny the feelings, but mostly . . .  I'm PROUD.

Random Thoughts from a Sleepless Mother

Another sleepless night . . . grrrrr, I strongly dislike these kind of nights, but I won't complain.  Many thoughts cross my mind as I lay awake and think back on life.  Nine years ago today I had another sleepless night . . . the night when Nathan was born.  How can nine years pass so quickly?  It was a stormy night just like the one we had last night, but even more so.  Seems like all my boys were born on stormy nights.  I'm just so thankful that they haven't lived "stormy" lives.  

God is good and we have been blessed with good kids who love and respect us and who love the Lord.  

My mind wanders to Andrew; he'll soon be graduating from high school.  I worry about this next step in his life.  Is he ready to step out on his own?  Will college weigh him down with endless debt?  Have we prepared him enough to be successful in life?  My thoughts consume me.

What about Aaron . . . he's comfortable here.  With just two more years left in high school, colleges are already knocking at his door.  He's an ambitious young man and won't settle for mediocrity.  It shows in his grades, sports and friendships.  Will I be able to give him all that he needs in home school once we return to Argentina?  I wrestle with this question daily.

Nathan is still young, but he is growing up quickly.  He's a happy boy who loves to have FUN.  I worry that I'm not taking enough time to instill within him God's precious Word like I did when the older boys were his age.  What can I do differently to carve out that time with him?

So many consuming thoughts gather in my mind, none-the-less, precious thoughts, for they prompt me to seek my Heavenly Father who is interested in each one.  I am reminded of a favorite verse, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" - 1 Peter 5:7.  Thank you Lord for another sleepless night.

A Tale of Two Electricians

Kelly was a man who was interested in doing the will of God.  He came on a work team to our city, Resistencia, in 2001.  The work was not out of the ordinary.  What they had come to do was not going to turn Argentina upside down, but part of what needed to be done was electrical and Kelly's trade as an electrician would fill an important spot in accomplishing the task at hand.

As we worked, children from the church stole Kelly's heart and God (with the help of a couple of missionaries), began to talk to him about possibly changing careers.  He investigated missions but it was apparent that the doors were closed.

A year or so later, we were in another building project in the city of Resistencia when Gustavo came looking for work.  He said he was an electrician.  I was a bit apprehensive, but asked if he would be willing to dig a ditch.  He obliged, pulled off his shoes and began digging.  Seeing his willing spirit, he was hired.  Some weeks later he asked if he could come to church with me, to which I was delighted.

Gustavo and his girlfriend, Maria, became Christians.  When I went to their home to begin discipleship I was surprised to find a humble abode made entirely of cardboard roofing material.  Soon I realized that Gustavo was "worth his salt."  He just needed someone to give him a chance.  When our project was finished, it was easy to recommend him to a neighbor as a worthy and honest worker.

While we were on furlough, missionaries David and Rachel Kerney took Gustavo and Maria under their wings and began encouraging them to further their studies.  Not only did they study some theology and Bible, but they also set out to finish their grade school and high school studies.  In 2006 Gustavo and Maria were married.

Before leaving Argentina in May 2010, we went to Villa Escolar, Formosa, where Gustavo is pastoring one of our WGM churches.  He is loved by the townspeople and the church is growing.  He and Maria not only received their high school diplomas, but Gustavo had become a certified electrician.  At the time of our visit he was head electrician in a school building project.  Now he is head superintendent on another school construction project.

Last month we were in Kelly's church in Michigan.  We participated in two great worship services, perhaps some of the best services I have been in.  God was certainly there.  Kelly gave up his electrical business, set out to study theology and is now the pastor of his home church.

While he interviewed us as missionaries during the service he shared with the congregation that it was because of one missions trip, ten years earlier to Resistencia, that he was their pastor today.  

Getting Started

     Welcome to our new blog site.  Getting started is not easy for technically challenged people like ourselves, but we will attempt to give you a regular glimpse into our lives as we travel down the familiar road of Home Ministry Assignment.

     With our boys having already completed nearly six months of public school, we find ourselves "living in the fast lane."  West Noble Cross Country took us to State this year.  Andrew and Aaron shared in this glorious moment as reserve runners.  The team placed 18th overall.  Nathan was chosen in October to be a Life Skill Leader for his class.  This is an award given to a child that demonstrates good behavior and social skills, sportsmanship, and academic excellence.  We're proud of our boys!

A trip to Florida over Christmas proved to be God-ordained.   Elson's dad, Henry, was admitted to the hospital over the holidays with congestive heart failure.  Nearly the entire family was present in Florida to support "Grandpa and Grandma."  A valve replacement, a pacemaker, and lots of prayer have made Henry a new man!

The winter months find us visiting our supporters with a few meetings sprinkled here and there.  Getting started hasn't been as easy as it has been in the past due to the economic crunch.  If you or your church would like to have us come and speak in a missionary or home meeting setting, please let us know.  We'd love to share with you how God is working in Argentina.