In answer to a friend's question ...

Several friends have asked us how we're paying for this, and have asked us to put the answer here on this site. So here 'tis ...

To finance this adventure, we've significantly down-sized our material possessions :). We've also been able to put away all our dimes this summer as Brooke's brother has provided a place to live rent-free.

But we wouldn't be able to do this alone. Our Father has placed it on the hearts of some family and friends to give to us without our even asking. This is a new position for us - to be the receivers. It has been humbling and AMAZING to watch the Father provide through His children's generosity.

While we're away, if anyone feels led to give, it can be sent to our good friends, Kris & JP Dorn, and they will deposit it for us. Their address is 8432 Magnolia Ave. #1208, Riverside, CA 92504.

First Steps

We bought our first set of tickets yesterday!!! Wow.

We leave So. Cal. on October 2, and head straight to .... drum-roll please ... Lafayette, Indiana. Not quite as exotic as you expected? Well, some dear friends that Jason's known since he was two are there to plant a Fellowship of believers. We will then bounce through Denver, CO and Washington, DC to connect with friends and further prepare for all that is ahead.

And then ...
October 12 - 22: Istanbul, Turkey
October 22 - 29: Israel
October 30 - November 13: Cape Town, South Africa
November 14 - December 4: Ahmedabad, India
December 4 - ??: Kigoma, Tanzania

2 weeks out: His take

I spoke in a junior high/high school chapel this week on the topic of significant living. I was challenged with what makes our upcoming trip significant? Is it the many people both believing and non that we are going to share life with? Is it the fact that we are traveling in one direction around the world? Is it that we have given up our jobs and sacrificed many of the luxuries we are accustomed to in order to attempt this trip?

The answer was surprising to me. I was stuck with the question of what makes my life on any day significant. The answer when all is said and done is my relationship to the Father. Not my actions, not my accomplishments, not my ideals. Simply my relationship. This being the case, then the significance of this trip is solely based on the One who has called us to go. To be in relationship with Him is to be significant to this life whether in the States or around the world.

As we are three weeks as we are 3 weeks away from beginning this new saga of life, I share the challenge with you as well:

What is your significance based on? What is significant about where you have been called to go? When you recognize your worth lies in the One who is in fact Worthy and respond to this undeserved offer of daily relationship with humility, your significance will be defined with clarity.

2 weeks out: Her take

Questions swamp my mind, tasks consume much of my waking time, but thankfully, peace remains dominant as we gaze into the unknown. And really, whatever is ahead in life is always unknown, but maybe when you're getting ready to live out of a backpack and enter cities you can't even properly pronounce, you're just more aware of it.

This summer has brought me through many lessons already. I've been re-reading 'Hinds' Feet on High Places' and sadly recognized how closely I resemble little "Much-Afraid." But my Shepherd tenderly, and sometimes laughingly, continues to guide in the path He has chosen. He is teaching me to fear Him alone. To recognize His sovereignty in EVERYTHING. Because it really is all or nothing when you're talking about Him - either He is all He says He is, or He is none of it.

Beyond this, He is teaching my heart to receive and even indulge in the simple enjoyment of anticipating this trip. I am amazed that we have this opportunity, grateful that even as lil' Much-Afraid, He has opened doors for Jason and I to explore, to serve, to play, and to risk.

A Matter of Sensitivity ...

Preparation is continuing, and one thing that has weighed heavy on our hearts is to do everything we can to protect those we will be visiting. Many of the countries we will be visiting do not share the same freedoms that we do here in America. Specifically, language is highly sensitive.

So, out of respect and for the safety of those we will be visiting, we will make every effort to avoid “sensitive language” on this blog so that we can still access it within those countries without causing any concern.

By no means do we intend to discount the precious name of our Father by using alternative language on this site. We are going in His power alone, to be sure. This is simply one of the smallest means by which we can minister to those who are spreading the Truth in closed countries.

We trust that any of you who comment on this site will also be sensitive. Thanks so much for your partnership.