“Writing comes more easily if you have something to say.” ~ Sholem Asch

Andrea informed me that we needed to do our Christmas letter. But the more we began to discuss it, the more difficult it was to come up with something to put in it. We’re in limbo; that time between when God told us we were going overseas, and when we actually go overseas. That valley time in between the mountaintops. That feeling like God has you on the slow boat, and the winds have died. It’s hard to describe your journey when it doesn’t really feel like you’re going anywhere. We were warned about this. Informed is probably a better word. No, on second thought, warned is right. We were warned because it’s easy to let yourself give up hope. 

“It’s time once again for the annual Christmas letter. Ever notice how it’s easier some years to write these than others? It’s kind of that way for us. In a very real way we have lots of news… in another very real way we have nothing new.”

“Our ‘really big news’ is something that is still a ways off on the horizon. For those who haven’t heard, we have gotten connected with a missionary organization known as Pioneers International. They have appointed us to join teams currently planting churches and working with street kids and human trafficking victims in northern Thailand. We’re targeting being in Thailand hopefully by next August. In the meantime, we’re preparing; getting ready to make a very exciting transition.” 

“Dave has had a bit of a career change. After twelve years pastoring, he took a sabbatical and is currently working at Sears – learning all there is to know about mattresses. Andrea is working as part of the transport team at Magic Valley Hospital. We’re also all helping out caring for refugee families being served by our church, and both boys are enjoying their kids and youth programs. We’re currently living in Twin Falls, Idaho.”

Part of that ‘not giving up hope’ is moving forward in spite of not feeling it as strongly. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” Those words aren’t supposed to just encourage us with what we believe; they are to motivate us to keep going regardless of how we feel. They’re a reminder that, even though we might not sense it, God continues to move and walk beside us and make things happen. 

“I wish we had more to share about our future plans, and in the coming weeks and months you will probably hear more. For now, though, we’re enjoying a less stress-filled holiday season. It’s very refreshing. We’re hoping the same for you: that this season that used to be known for joy and peace might be known for that again; that in the midst of the pressure to give the perfect gift you might find that the perfect gift is you; and that you would know the ultimate love of the universe wrapped up as a baby born in a barn.”

“From all of us to all of you; a very merry Christmas.”

What a Long, Strange Trip – of Pretzels and Pathways

The path God has us on is like a pretzel. Sometimes it’s one of those straight ones, and sometimes it’s… well… it doesn’t seem so straight. But the path is always there. 

It’s been awhile since I submitted anything to the blog. That’s because I’ve been working. Retail. Seasonal at Sears. A whole new world. But I digress…

We successfully made our way down to Orlando. We met first with the shrink, who assured us that we were indeed crazy enough to make this life transition. We met with the financial people who let us know how much support we need to have raised in order to go. We met with the committee who – admittedly, rightly so – had concerns about our commitment level given the rapidity of our decision. They were swayed once they heard the whole story; it was clearly a God thing. And we met with the man in charge of church partnerships, who went to high school with the Senior Pastor of the church we have been attending. 

Largely because of that connection, we finally had a sending church. And, in another fine irony; it turns out that the church – unbeknownst to us – already has a Thailand connection. They sponsor an orphanage about three hours from the city where we’re expecting to be. 

We returned to Twin Falls… and we were still without work. Both of us. We entered limbo (more on that topic in an upcoming blog). Our target time for leaving for Thailand is next August. But we began to wonder what it was that God was going to do to get us to then. More applications, and more turn downs. Then… Sears. 

This is unlike anything I’ve ever done (well… I did sell Scout-o-Rama tickets door to door when I was eleven…). My birthday present to my wife was the first shift I was scheduled. She began working the next day doing transport for the hospital. 

For the time being – besides working where we are – we’re beginning our preparations for a move to a vastly different culture half a world away. Making our way along the circuitous route that God has laid out before us. A long, strange trip indeed.