Through endurance, and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4b-6







Sunday, February 9, 2014

3 years [ an anniversary ]

Though we've posted this shorthand on Facebook....
 
Three years ago today we left on an adventure to Africa. The many experiences we went through changed us in so many ways. The people we had the privilege to meet, the food that we have eaten, the joys, the visitors, the teams, all equal an unforgettable journey. We are planning on leaving Ghana on April 15, and although it will be hard, we are also excited about the places God will take us next! Thanks for all your prayers and support, we couldn't do this without you!
And the children summed up this step in the journey this way: Rory shouts a "Yahoo!" complete with a happy dance, Elle folds her arms and declares, "I'm not going unless Sunny (the cat) is going," and Max buried his face in his arms and began to cry. 
 
Classic reactions, right? Denial, grief and bubbling (but unrealistic) joy. I am enjoying and challenged by the unvarnished view of life children take on. I learn from them speak the truth and (I pray) they're learning from me that the truth must include love. And interrupting your dad to ask when he'll be done preaching 'cause it's taking really long, though it may be true, is not okay!
(Yes, that happened. It was a small village church and the small boy did tap Jon's leg until he leaned down to listen. Whoever thought I'd need to add 'Don't interrupt the preacher' to my list of church guidelines. )
 
I wanted to post it here too. Life deserves so much more than a status update or a clever hashtag.
 So many of you pray, give and love us both in the absence of updates and through long, inconvenient Skype calls.
Thank you. We consider each of you our partners in this work.
And now we have 8 weeks to catch every moment we can of this place that has become home and taught us so much. Just today, as I said a goodbye to one of our pastor's wife, we decided to say only 'See you later.' Goodbye didn't fit. Someday I'll rejoice beside her before the throne of the Almighty.
Church members at Ayaa, a farming community 27 km north of us.


Estern, a church elder and CFC Bible School student and Jon.


Village church bonus: exploring.
Praying over Pastor Samuel and his wife Grace as they begin to work in a new place.

 
A quick snap before church for the church directory back in Pennsylvania.


Enjoying the sweet spirit and helpful hands of Stephanie, my niece.


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