I know grief. I've experienced it several times in my life. Mostly related to death. Going through this transition, it has been brought to my attention a different form of grief. Last month we said our "see you laters" to our family, not sure when we would see them again. Yesterday we said "see you later" to friends we've been with over the last 5 months. These people share our same passions in life. We have an immediate connection with them because of what we do. Some of these people have become like family to us. We've watched their children grow up and change in 5 months. And we now have to go our separate ways. I'm personally experiencing some grief in that. The idea that I may run into them overseas, even though they'll be on a different continent. It is different grief though, because I know there is a possibility of me seeing these friends again.
One of the things that helps in this grief and in the losses that I've experienced, is knowing, no matter what, I'll see these friends in heaven. Pray for all of us as we transition to our new homes. Some board a plane today, some tomorrow, and still others later this week. Pray for safe and smooth travels and easy transition. Also, pray for the children involved in these moves.
We ask you pray also today for a friend in Panama City burying her husband. Allison and her husband (Drew), along with their first child due soon (Ruby), were in a car accident on Monday. As I sit and write this, my heart physically hurts for her. We know that he loved the Lord, and like I said earlier, we will see in him in heaven, but sometimes that doesn't take away the pain. I'm so thankful that Allison is surrounded by an incredible godly family that will hold her up when it seems too hard to bear. Pray for strength for her, his family, and for all those effected by his death. Pray also that God will be glorified through this.
To end on a happy note - do you like our updates on our blog?! One of those friends that is like family that I mentioned above is an excellent graphic designer and helped to update our simple blog :) What she did in a matter of hours would have taken me days!! Thanks Leslie!! (That's one girl I'm going to have a really hard time saying "see you later" to.)
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Baby Owen
Today our new nephew is one week old! Last Wednesday night, June 13, after a full day of labor for my sister-in-law, precious Owen Willis Farr made his presence in our world. He's absolutely adorable and perfect in every way! We met him via Skype on Thursday. I could not stop staring at the screen. I'm so thankful for technology during times like these, but in some ways it all doesn't seem real. Just another time that I realize life back home goes on, even while we're away. And our life will go on, too. For now, I'll leave you with some pictures of my favorite nephew (of course because he's the only one so far) and his amazing parents. I cannot wait to hold this little boy one day - although, when that day comes I might actually be chasing him around.
 |
| Healthy baby & mom |
 |
| Meeting Aunt Kristen & Uncle Trey |
 |
| Heading home from the hospital (wearing plaid like his daddy always does!) |
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
momentary freak out
Yesterday I had one of those. It hit me. All of the sudden, this thing we've been talking about for a year is here. We're really doing this. We're really moving to Africa.
I've been reading some colleagues blogs to prepare myself. Unfortunately, it triggered a freak out.
I knew that we would encounter days without power, to which I rationalized - I grew up in Florida... with hurricanes. I've done this whole no power thing. And then it hit me. This is going to be life. Not just a week or two without power, but a complete change of our lifestyle.
I knew that I would be cooking most meals from scratch, to which I rationalized - I can cook hamburger helper. And obviously, that's not a good rationalization. And then it hit me. We might starve. I can't cook. Trey, please forgive me now for your upcoming starvation.
I knew we would be learning a new language, to which I rationalized - the national language is English. There will be no problems communicating. And then it hit me. I want to relate to the hearts of the people we're going to serve. Their heart is not English. To reach their heart I need to speak their native language.
A year ago things were very different. We were just accepting this new position and beginning to transition our lives. A year ago my mom was still alive and helping me through this transition. She's not here now to talk with me and pray with me. But there is one thing that is continuing to resonate with me. As we were deciding on this new position I felt rushed. I felt like it was all happening too quickly. I went to her for advice and prayer. I knew she couldn't make the decision for me, but knew she would pray. She told me to write down the date that the Lord confirms what we are to do. That way in times of need I can refer back to that date and be reminded of His calling.
May 29, 2011 - I was teaching 7th & 8th grade girls Sunday school. We were in the midst of this monumental decision. I was reading over my lesson one last time before the girls came to class and it was like the words jumped off the page... literally. "God has made it clear whom you should serve." And at that moment His peace rested on me. I had the confirmation Trey was waiting for me to have. We were to take this step. This leap of faith. And so we did.
Now here I am. So grateful for a mother who loved the Lord first and allowed that to permeate her life and relationships. In my moment of freak out when I long for her advice, the Lord gives me His peace through her words over a year ago. Yes, everything is different than a year ago. And it's about to be a much more drastic change. But there is one thing I'm certain of, our God never changes. He remains faithful through our trials. He remains constant through our change. He is good. He is in control.
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "
Matthew 6:25-34 NASB
I've been reading some colleagues blogs to prepare myself. Unfortunately, it triggered a freak out.
I knew that we would encounter days without power, to which I rationalized - I grew up in Florida... with hurricanes. I've done this whole no power thing. And then it hit me. This is going to be life. Not just a week or two without power, but a complete change of our lifestyle.
I knew that I would be cooking most meals from scratch, to which I rationalized - I can cook hamburger helper. And obviously, that's not a good rationalization. And then it hit me. We might starve. I can't cook. Trey, please forgive me now for your upcoming starvation.
I knew we would be learning a new language, to which I rationalized - the national language is English. There will be no problems communicating. And then it hit me. I want to relate to the hearts of the people we're going to serve. Their heart is not English. To reach their heart I need to speak their native language.
A year ago things were very different. We were just accepting this new position and beginning to transition our lives. A year ago my mom was still alive and helping me through this transition. She's not here now to talk with me and pray with me. But there is one thing that is continuing to resonate with me. As we were deciding on this new position I felt rushed. I felt like it was all happening too quickly. I went to her for advice and prayer. I knew she couldn't make the decision for me, but knew she would pray. She told me to write down the date that the Lord confirms what we are to do. That way in times of need I can refer back to that date and be reminded of His calling.
May 29, 2011 - I was teaching 7th & 8th grade girls Sunday school. We were in the midst of this monumental decision. I was reading over my lesson one last time before the girls came to class and it was like the words jumped off the page... literally. "God has made it clear whom you should serve." And at that moment His peace rested on me. I had the confirmation Trey was waiting for me to have. We were to take this step. This leap of faith. And so we did.
Now here I am. So grateful for a mother who loved the Lord first and allowed that to permeate her life and relationships. In my moment of freak out when I long for her advice, the Lord gives me His peace through her words over a year ago. Yes, everything is different than a year ago. And it's about to be a much more drastic change. But there is one thing I'm certain of, our God never changes. He remains faithful through our trials. He remains constant through our change. He is good. He is in control.
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "
Matthew 6:25-34 NASB
Friday, June 1, 2012
Family Time
We had a weekend off here in Vancouver where our family and friends could come visit us. Trey's parents & sister came and my dad came. It was such a great time together. We were able to show them around our new town and share what all we've learned since living here. We also did touristy things that we aren't able to do in our regular life because we don't have a car... and they did :) I'll let you live through our weekend together in pictures.
We started the weekend driving the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. It's a beautiful road that runs along the water and gorgeous mountain range. Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. We got to see 2 bears and shoot the same guns the athletes use on the Biathlon. I didn't even know what that was until we were there :) BUT for only my 2nd time shooting a gun I got all 5 targets! And so did Trey's sister, Kristen... so we have bragging rights! On the way back to Vancouver we stopped at a couple different lookout points and an incredible waterfall.
Monday we slept in! It was great for all of us. We spent the day around downtown Vancouver. There is an incredible park in downtown called Stanley Park. It's massive, on the water with a beautiful view of the city and Lion's Gate Bridge. So of course, we stopped at points along the road and took some pictures :)
They also spent time spoiling us with last minute things we need to take to Africa and some groceries for here. We are so thankful to have supportive family. We did miss my brother and his wife (Allen & Ashley). They couldn't come because she's due with their first child within the next two weeks. And miss all of our other extended family. Wish we could pack up everyone we love in a crate or suitcase and take them with us. Unfortunately, we can't. We said our goodbyes to Trey's family late Monday night and my dad early Tuesday morning. We can't wait for them to come visit us on the other side of the world!
We started the weekend driving the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. It's a beautiful road that runs along the water and gorgeous mountain range. Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. We got to see 2 bears and shoot the same guns the athletes use on the Biathlon. I didn't even know what that was until we were there :) BUT for only my 2nd time shooting a gun I got all 5 targets! And so did Trey's sister, Kristen... so we have bragging rights! On the way back to Vancouver we stopped at a couple different lookout points and an incredible waterfall.
On Saturday, we went whale watching! It was absolutely incredible. We saw bald eagles, California Sea Lions, & Orca whales. Our boat was supposed to leave port and head south into US waters, but they got reports of a pod of whales north in Canadian waters. This made a difference because we were able to get much much closer to the whales. We weren't by any means within an arm's distance, but I was able to get some good pictures with our zoom lens. Not to mention, more beautiful snow capped mountains.
On Sunday, we took the ferry over to Vancouver Island and spent the day in Victoria. It was a quaint little town, being the capital. We drove down along the water and again, stopped at some beautiful lookout points. We also got the closest we could to the Pacific Ocean. Now we only have 2 more oceans to make it to and get our picture in front of.
Monday we slept in! It was great for all of us. We spent the day around downtown Vancouver. There is an incredible park in downtown called Stanley Park. It's massive, on the water with a beautiful view of the city and Lion's Gate Bridge. So of course, we stopped at points along the road and took some pictures :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)