Archive for September, 2009
No Place Like Home
We spent the last week of July through the first week of September in the northeast. This was our first extended trip as a family away from our home in southern Ohio.
We were able to share our burden for reaching Italian souls for Christ in eighteen different churches in six different states and we praise the Lord that many of them seem likely to partner with us in our ministry. We enjoyed meeting new acquaintances among the brethren and the fellowship we shared.
We also had some memorable experiences as a family… Isaiah’s first fishing trip on Delta Lake in New York; navigating through Manhattan; our search for Balto in Central Park; relaxing in the seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island; walking the freedom trail in Boston; admiring the beauty of God’s creation along a scenic river in Vermont; etc.
Although there are many positive experiences on deputation, the inconsistency that is found with life on the road can be a challenge… we stayed in prophet’s chambers, at churches, in homes, and in hotels and motels – we are grateful for the hospitality of the brethren but it can be difficult living out of a suitcase. We drove over 5,000 miles; Isaiah alternated between two questions – “How much farther?” and “How many hours are we from home?” – but for the most part he was content watching DVD’s. Pearl slept for two to three hours at a stretch but (loudly) expressed her discomfort of being restrained in a cramped car seat when she was awake. Sandy made sure we were all taken care of with snacks and bottled water and she valiantly taught home school from the back of the SUV; not an ideal setting for school. Sickness on the road was trying – Pearl passed quite a bit of blood in Rhode Island and Isaiah had an allergic reaction to food in Vermont. We had a hard time maintaining our normal diet and there was very little time for exercise. We missed the normalcy of home.
We realize there will be challenges in Italy. However, in addition to being in the place that God has called us to serve, we will find in Italy that which is so very important to our family… a place to call home.
“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” – Isaiah 32:18