China or Bust!

Jeff and I are here in China right now looking at apartments and schools!  Jackson and Grace are with Aunt Tricia and Uncle Tony in Toronto.  We are so relieved to have full confidence in them taking care of our kids, but we miss them so much!

Although there have been a couple of overwhelming times during this trip, I have never felt like turning around and stopping this whole process.  Even when doubts have crept in, I have prayed that God would just help me get through the day, one step at a time.  There is no doubt in my mind that He has led us to this avenue and I would not want to stray from it all!

We are interested in two different apartments and two different schools.  We have a preference in both areas but really felt "at home" with one particular apartment and school.  The atmosphere at the international school that we like actually made me hope to teach there someday, it was fantastic!!  There was student art and creations everywhere and my favorite part of the building besides the music room (of course) was the library!! 

While we have been here, we tried to find things that would interest Jackson and that he would find comfort with.  It was not hard.  There are little markets with western foods, although you pay a little more.  We are hoping to eat as the Chinese but have our comfort foods every now and then.  Here are some of the comforts we found, including a McDonald's delivery guy!!

Life without Mac n' cheese?  No way!

Cold Stone, we had to try it to make sure it was the same :)

How do you say, "I'm Lovin' it!" in Mandarin?



Strength will Rise

Tonight I am reminded of Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength".  As Jeff and I are trying to patiently wait upon the Lord and His answer we have seen over and over again how His strength will rise within us.  I feel like the last two years of intense travel for Jeff has been partly a test to see where we derive our strength.  It definitely cannot be from ourselves or we would have tired long ago.  I have found my strength in God's word and spending time with Him. 

I feel like an answered prayer is just around the corner.  The decision has been made by Jeff's management to offer to send our family to China.  We gladly accept this idea because it will bring an end to our family being apart about 50% of the time over the last couple of years and Jeff's heavy workload.  Now, we are just waiting to be presented with the offer in writing and accept.  We have said over and over between the two of us, that if God wants us to stay we will understand a closed door from Him and figure out next steps.  But, we are hopeful that we will get this opportunity.

Jeff and I have identified a distinct passion that has arisen within us for other people groups around the world.  Through events here in the KC metro area, Africa, and Jeff's work, God has opened our eyes to our mission of reaching the nations not only for salvation, but also for aid and compassion. 
 We are trying to readjust our daily lives to fit God's commission for us.   We also hope to instill this love for others into the very fibers of our children. We all hope for our children to be "better" than we are.  For some that could mean a better job, for others it could mean better off financially.  Jeff and I are really want Jack and Grace to be better at loving other people.