I have lots of hopes for my little ones. Hopes that these little boogers will do something extraordinary with their lives and that they will care deeply for others. Sometimes, I believe I think too much about what they might do, and not enough about the things I can still do, about the things that we can do together as a family. I'm not ninety...I'm 29. And I'm not paralyzed...I am a parent. Zach and I love, love, love Colorado and adore our community there and the tentative plan has been to move back upon Zach's graduation.
We are also feeling very aware and in love and maybe even "called to" partner with Africa. Unsurprisingly, we have no idea what that means. I just know that we are feeling this "thing" together. Our heart is to love on children who have no parents and to see the hungry fed, and to see Jesus change lives and families in ways that only He can. There is a well-known missionary named Heidi Baker and she has been in Mozambique, Africa for many, many years. She and her husband have an organization called "Iris Ministries" and have a school that welcomes families with children who want to help in Africa. 10 weeks in Africa with two little ones would be a challenge, but I think we are up for it. What an experience! If all goes according to plans we will go June 1-August 9 of 2011. We have a lot to do to get ready.
There aren't many times when a young family has a "clearing" of sorts to go on missions, but we are actually in a good spot. Zach could give his notice at work in time for them to find a replacement. We could sell our house in the Spring. The boys will be 2 and 3, which is different than having an infant in tow. And then Zach could apply for a new job when we returned (unless we were feeling that we needed to stay in Africa indefinitely.) That would surprise me, actually. I envision us going for a couple of weeks or months each year, and perhaps adopting a couple of babies, but I am open for whatever (Though I would deeply miss hot baths.) I am thankful for the little direction that we have now, and know that God will be faithful to reveal more in time.
I certainly don't think everyone is called to missions, but I do believe that every person has greatness just below the surface. There is just this unrest in me when I am living this normal life. I'm happy and have so much to be grateful for, but at the same time I find myself longing for adventure and an increased sense of purpose. While being a mother is absolutely the most important and wonderful job in the world, I am not one that can find my complete identity in being a good parent. Or in having a certain type of family. I wonder if everyone feels this way, or if I feel this way because I am supposed to be doing something different. I have been exploring more and more the idea of finding my identity in Christ. It sounds so simple :)
I would love to hear the adventures you are dreaming of...
Love,
Kate
No comments:
Post a Comment