They There and We as We Go

Many would think the financial aspect of our trip to the Balkans the most challenging.  However, it seems the stuff of life adds to the challenge of faith as we prepare to go.  Last year, my father (age 77) was having serious health issues and as I left, doctors were trying to diagnose the cause.  Returning to a diagnosis of cancer, he soon went into surgery nearly loosing his life.  This year, he is hospitalized with other serious concerns and is on the road to recovery.  We leave Friday.  He may exit the hospital Thursday, the reason of pain not yet completely resolved.

Instilled in this heart and soul is the value of family and the being there for one another, which is why I choose to go to the Balkans; not as part of a biological family, but as part of a spiritual family.  That being said, my biological family is foremost and highly cherished by this soul, being blessed with wonderful parents whose love and wisdom have served us well as we 'grow up'. 

It appears that our Lord desires my faith and trust of His care for my dad grow as we go.  He has clearly demonstrated His preservation of my father's life, and of course he will not live forever, but for now, we cherish the time together that remains.  Quality of life is of utmost importance, and isn't that our desire as well?

When I pause to ponder my quality of life, there was a time when it was not what I had hoped, being stricken with congestive heart failure, looking like it would become my lot.  God healed me and for that I am grateful.  He also preserved my dad's life, and for that I am grateful as well, for we have had another year together to lean into life as a family, together, my mom and dad, my brother Rick and I, and our children and one grandchild.

As I stand back and reflect upon life and living, one thing stands out.  The best parts are the investments of love, kindness, care for others and hope we bring as we come alongside.  The richest types being the investments of God.  Being blessed through our spiritual family alongside the practical of both spiritual and biological family ties we stand strong; for it is the blessing of both that has produced and forged us as the men my brother and I are, through the hand of God.

There are many lessons being taught to this maturing soul.  I find myself still learning from and leaning upon my God for my transformation, my life for His kingdom work with His power.  Desiring to go at His bidding to do His work as He leads I stand amazed at the power of His work through this little life, having no expectation except to see Him unleash His power through me. 

I am blessed and full of joy to be joined this year by Carrie, my beloved and compassionate wife.  It brings this soul such joy to watch our Lord take her skills and heart, using them for His glory in gracious and powerful ways.  It seems clear to me that we are better serving as a couple than apart, and that her presence and gifts shine with greater brilliance.  Truly, I am blessed to have such an amazing partner of faith and grace in my life. 

As we prepare to depart, here is what we know....

I will again be teaching lessons to teachers in Livno and now expanding into Glamoc (pronounced Glah-mots).  I will also visit a few classrooms to get a feel for what they have available as teaching tools and learn of their classroom culture.  I again will have opportunity, with a translator, to teach two in class science lessons, one chemistry and one physics; hands on lessons developing thinking and problem solving.  We also will be preparing a meal for the team (teriyaki meats, fried rice and mac salad). 

Carrie will be following a pediatrician to learn of what they have available and what they do as they offer care.  She also will be doing this in both cities, Livno and Glamoc.  Visiting clinics, she hopes to find ways we can bless them and help them when we return in the following years. 

And lastly, as we go, we are determined to be flexible and caring, coming alongside the team there, encouraging the work, their dedicated investment, with the hope they bring, with hearts of love for the people.  For what is living without investment; They there, and we as we go, in one another?  This is the stuff of life.  This is the precious commodity of gold we all carry and share, the richest being investments of love, care, grace, and hope we receive from our heavenly Father, deliberately passed on to those we join.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  You join He and us as you do, and for that we rejoice!