3 things we'll miss about itineration

Laughter, conversations, and memories

How we're looking forward to Indonesia. We'll be in language school, eat great food, and meet many friendly people once we arrive. (We experienced the last two several times and can't wait to return.)

Meanwhile, we've travelled a lot back home, raising funds to go.

Here are 3 things we'll miss about itineration:

1. People along the way. Tonight we'll have dinner and sleep at friends' who are coworkers in sharing Good News. We have a long association with them, including serving on an alumni board, shared ministry groups, and learning together in an accountability group. We'll speak in their church in the morning.

We've met many other people as first- or second-time acquaintances. We've loved speaking with you, as well as praying and learning together.

... and in fall.

We'll miss our courtyard in spring

2. The scenery. We live in a stunning landscape: within a few hours' drive, there are towering mountains capped with snow to ocean beaches to deserts to temperate rain forests.

Today we get to drive through those mountains toward the desert. This morning, I walked 4 miles in our neighborhood, inhaling spring fragrances and crisp morning air. I'll miss that.

3. The sense of partnership in moving forward. Our friends, family, and Family have donated funds, offered hospitality, and prayed down heaven for the coming venture. You are our partners as well as our companions on this journey.

A Washington volcano

We are often asked if we are afraid. We certainly feel uncertain about what we don't yet know. Life is about to change. But fear? Not really.

Every day seems to unfold within the mystery of God. Our loving, all-knowing Creator already has our path marked out. And he has you in his hands, too.

Several people recently asked me about options and choices. Do we feel we could we stay here and continue in comfort toward retirement?

I have to admit, "No, we don't consider staying. When you hear the Shepherd's voice, you move." After all, his rod is strong and his staff is long. He can corral us if we wander off and prod us when we are stuck in place. Because of that, we're not too worried about fatal mistakes.

We expect life to get uncomfortable at times. I'll probably cry once in a while, missing home. And we may be frustrated by customs we don't understand and a different pace of living. Those are common to anyone who moves to a new culture.

One month to go. Thanks for your prayers and connections, those times when we say hello, hug, and wish each other well. We appreciate this time of goodbyes ... and of looking ahead with you.

Read more:
*In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can
flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4 ESV

*With God we shall do valiantly. Psalm 60:12 ESV

*Jesus said, "Go and learn what this means, "˜I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'" Matthew 9:13 ESV

*For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT

Moravian Prayer: Giving Lord, for us your blood was shed, for us the lamb was slain. Instill within us a spirit unfailing, that we may live for you always. Amen.