Journey is right! The journey took the form of a thousand mile road trip to Wheaton this month for orientation at Josiah Venture’s North American headquarters. This was a good test of compatibility for Scott Runzo (JV Latvia country leader) and I as we traveled together through the scenic prairie. We even had opportunity to interact face to face with a state trooper and contribute to Nebraska’s economy. Scott even took the troopers picture with his new digital camera. The trooper was thrilled. Would that explain the high fine?
Donna took the quicker route to Wheaton via United Airlines, but she missed out on all the road fun, great fast food meals and a quick visit with our friends the Scheaffers in Sheldon Iowa.
So, the week was, well, good. JV is a great organization made up of amazing people. We left Wheaton knowing that this truly is a family and that we would be well taken care of. The huge two person staff works hard making sure all the details are covered so the missionaries on the field don’t have to. We felt loved and cared for and it is evident that everyone involved in the organization is a team player and working toward building the Kingdom. Thank you Sarah and Theresa.
We were also very encouraged by spending this time with three of the young men we would be working with in Latvia. We had fun with Fletch, Chad and Joe and loved hearing their prayers and hearts for God. We raised three boys, so Donna felt quite at home with these guys.
It was a bit sobering as well, especially our discussions about the realities of culture shock, isolation, and dark winters. I wish I could say that those things aren’t a challenge to my resolve, but they sometimes are. I guess it is time I review all those messages I have delivered about trust, faith, blessings, and commitment to our King. Even at this point in our journey I will never again be able to sing worship songs about surrender lightly without considering more seriously the words I am singing. I pray that I will develop the perspective articulated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
Donna only flew one-way into Chicago, so my partner for the road trip home was much prettier than on the trip out (sorry Scott, but it’s true). She and I had good opportunity to talk and debrief about the week. We also had a great stay with the Scheaffers, we enjoyed their beautiful children and had some great fellowship around the kitchen table.
God has not closed any doors on us, and we continue to earnestly seek His direction.
Donna took the quicker route to Wheaton via United Airlines, but she missed out on all the road fun, great fast food meals and a quick visit with our friends the Scheaffers in Sheldon Iowa.
So, the week was, well, good. JV is a great organization made up of amazing people. We left Wheaton knowing that this truly is a family and that we would be well taken care of. The huge two person staff works hard making sure all the details are covered so the missionaries on the field don’t have to. We felt loved and cared for and it is evident that everyone involved in the organization is a team player and working toward building the Kingdom. Thank you Sarah and Theresa.
We were also very encouraged by spending this time with three of the young men we would be working with in Latvia. We had fun with Fletch, Chad and Joe and loved hearing their prayers and hearts for God. We raised three boys, so Donna felt quite at home with these guys.
It was a bit sobering as well, especially our discussions about the realities of culture shock, isolation, and dark winters. I wish I could say that those things aren’t a challenge to my resolve, but they sometimes are. I guess it is time I review all those messages I have delivered about trust, faith, blessings, and commitment to our King. Even at this point in our journey I will never again be able to sing worship songs about surrender lightly without considering more seriously the words I am singing. I pray that I will develop the perspective articulated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
Donna only flew one-way into Chicago, so my partner for the road trip home was much prettier than on the trip out (sorry Scott, but it’s true). She and I had good opportunity to talk and debrief about the week. We also had a great stay with the Scheaffers, we enjoyed their beautiful children and had some great fellowship around the kitchen table.
God has not closed any doors on us, and we continue to earnestly seek His direction.
1 comment:
Sweet Blog! Can i get a hi-res picture of our team pic out front of the Apple store? you can email me at projectmisha "at" gmail.com. Thanks!
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