Coming Home

How do I start and where should I begin?  First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has expressed their concern for us and committment to pray for us!

No doubt many of you have heard by now that Kate, Jude, baby girl and I will be leaving Holland in the next week (probably Wednesday).  If its a shock to you, perhaps it is good for you to know you are not alone in that sentiment; our church’s board informed us of our dismissal only 48 hours ago.

The short story–in a very long story of both many ups and downs, twists and turns–is that Monday evening the leadership of Cross Culture (the church we’ve been serving) has expressed their satisfaction with the job we were invited here to do.  Specifically the task we were charged with included freeing the lead pastor up and raising up a new youth pastor.

Over the course of the last fifteen months I have been able to assist the lead pastor here in handful of ways, from leading the youth and teaching on Sundays and during the week, to working with him to c0-create the current expression of our church’s mission and means for engaging that mission (displayed in the church’s mid-week meeting area).

On the other side, though we have perhaps had less time than we’d have liked to disciple the youth leader who will taking our place, we are very excited to see how the Lord will work through him.  God is just beginning to do some exciting things here in Holland (see here and here), and I hope you will join me praying for the growth and continuation of these new ways in which Christ is being named where he has not been so before!

Looking Back

Looking back this year has been as much about learning as it has been about ministering.  Personally I feel my love for and relationship with Jesus has deepened as he has lifted our eyes from the what of his church’s doing (Acts 2:42-47) to the why (Acts 1:8).  He is the God who sends, and because he has come himself, I know that he is also going before us now.

Looking Forward

So where is he going before us?  To be completely honest, I’m not sure.  Of course our primary focus right now, aside from packing, is in looking forward to the arrival of baby girl in early March.  Beyond This we’re not really sure where the Lord is leading us.  You can be sure we will keep you posted as things become clear and the Lord paves the way forward–whether that path leads us to Vancouver or beyond.

Again, a huge thank you to those who have so faithfully supported us through email, Skype or Facebook, or in prayer or finances this past year!  You have carried us many times!

As to specifics, the four of us plan on leaving Holland in seven days–just two days before Kate is no longer allowed to fly!

Lastly, for those of you who know the Youngers, keep an eye on their blog or Facebook accounts for more information on their plans to return to Vancouver. (also, a huge thank you to Nathan and Anna for taking care of things here so that Kate, Jude and I are able to return all together!)

Yes, We’re Still in Holland

Six days ago officially marked the longest time we have yet spent at once in Holland–and it may finally be sinking in that we’re not on a short term mission trip this time.  Over the past couple of days there have been a number of times where Kate or I extricate ourselves from some task, only to be confronted by the realization that, “Hey, we’re in Holland right now!”  

Its amazing what a transition it has been and continues to be moving here.  This week we’re hoping to get just a little more in to life here as we set up meetings with the youth and others in the church.  Slowly we’re becoming better friends with Stan and Marnie (the pastor and his wife), Tom and Zilka (our hosts).  It may not seem like a big deal, but its really been helping us to see Holland as home as we begin to know and be known in this new place. 

I can only watch with anticipation as the seeds of friendship planted so long ago begin to sprout and take root, with only God knows what end waiting in store for us.  For now, as we slowly make our way in this brave new world, we’ll keep on marveling at the faithfulness of God to make this mission possible as we are daily caught at unawares by the reality that we’re still in Holland.

Morning Number Two in Holland

First off, I can’t believe that we’ve only been here for two mornings.  Already it seems like we’ve been here for much longer.  Secondly, I’m pretty pleased with how we’re making the time zone transition so far.  Let me bring you up to speed.

Though we we’re sad to say our goodbyes at the airport on Friday (thanks for the note Ethan, Krista and parentals!), we had an awesome flight over.  The whole ten hours I think Jude probably slept for at least six hours and hardly cried once! (just one single yelp while waiting to eat!)  Thanks for your prayers for us there, they made a huge difference!

The second story just above the guy next to the windows on the right is just below the apartment where we are staying on the second story.

Our first day here was a lot better than years past, but still a pretty miserable feeling day, with the time change and all.  Following an alright night of sleep, that started at eight and was interupted at 3:30 am when Jude decided it was morning, we had a great time at Cross Culture Calvary Chapel, our new church home, where we also spoke.  Yesterday, we mostly spent hanging with Tom and Zilka our hosts, just hanging and resting for the journey. 

You can be praying for us today as we begin the visa process (and discover what all we’ve forgotten to bring…).  Please be praying for us through this process as we go through what I’m anticipating will an agonizingly slow of transitioning into making Holland home–and this all with the three of us all having colds!  

Thanks for praying for us!  We lean on your prayers daily and look forward to the great things God has planned here in Holland!

How the Calendar Fills Up…

The chaos has set in.  With just a week left until our intended departure date, the goodbyes and “Oh, but I’ll see you again right?”-s have begun.  The calendar has filled up with farewell parties, family dinners and prayer send-offs as more and more of our thoughts turn toward the life God has called us to overseas.

Every conversation, every place, and experience has become twinged with Holland and next week’s plane ride.  ”I wonder if this is the last time” has turned to “That was the last time I…”, while “How do we fit all this into this room?” at my parents house has turned to “How do we fit all this into six pieces of luggage?”  Each change brings its own dilemma I suppose, and we’ll just keep taking it one step at a time.

We need your prayers now more than ever as our requests turn to the particulars of transition and travel.