alright...that's it no more work stuff that needs my attention, I can focus on getting us out of Canada. So, drop off the kids, go to AMA, then RONA, insurance agent, bank...hmmm. how much in Euros? how about U.S.? I better run over and get some groceries...what was that?
'Daddy...daddy...how old are you?'
'Abi, sorry I almost forgot you are in the backseat...what was that you said?'
'Daddy, I asked, how old you are'.
'Abi, you ask me that everyday...you can't ask me the same question everyday...' long pause...
'Daddy, am I sophisticated?'...sigh..., I have not heard that question from her...or from anyone in my life before...it really is suprising how easy going the kids have been regarding this trip. They are taking it all in stride and have, for the most part, been fairly involved in the organizing.
Andrea and I are certainly busy, but not overwhelemed. In the past few weeks, many people have gone out of their way to prayerfully support us. Last Sunday, we had a very precious commissioning in the service. Our family, along with our good friends, the Peters family, http://www.4petersinthejungle.blogspot.com/ will be on sabbatical at the same time. Our church came around both families for a profound time of prayer. That evening, the Small Group that we are part of also dedicated an evening to blessing us as we launch out. So, between very public attention as well as very private gatherings, we feel very much in the grip of God as we entrust to him our future.
Over the next couple of days, we will begin our journey. First for our 2011 holidays, a whirlwind tour of Germany, and then on Jan.3, 2012, we will fly into Douala, Cameroon to begin the sabbatical.
This really is a privilege. As with most people, the last time I have been without work or school for four months is prior to Kindergarten...that was 44 years ago! Our church is remarkably generous and it is a pleasure to serve such wonderful people. It is with much gratitude that we receive what has been given,
“In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others.” Bonhoeffer
Dear friends...sisters and brothers, we thank you for caring for us throughout 2011, it has been a very challenging year, yet, we have been sustained by your prayers and the mercies of God. As we launch this journey, we are immensely motivated to pass the blessings forward to the people that we can serve along the way. Having the opportunity to equip the pastors in Cameroon, so that they can more effectively and passionately serve their congregations will bear more fruit than we are really able to grasp.
To God be the Glory!
Love you all
