A(nother) Big Announcement!

It's the week of big announcements for The Merry Band of Fife!  First we publicly announced that we are blessed to be expecting our eighth baby in April.  As if that isn't big enough, we have another huge announcement - we are stepping out in faith and will become full-time missionaries as of October 1st, 2016!  We noticed a trend as we returned from Candidate class in July.  As much as we were on fire for the Lord in this new capacity of missions, it was just so hard to balance secular jobs, family, and ministry.  We weren't getting as much accomplished as we wanted to - we had grand plans to have multiple face-to-face meetings scheduled beginning in August, but we hadn't had time to schedule a single one.  And so, the Lord made it abundantly clear to James that he was calling us, not this summer, not in a few months, to full-time ministry NOW.  It took me a little bit to process, but now I'm ready to step out with him, hand-in-hand, and we are SO excited to make this next step.  If you would keep us in our prayers as we step into deep waters, relying on His providence and guidance, we would sure appreciate it.  Our God is a great and mighty god!

The Most Important Quality in a Wife

I said wife, simply because that's what I am, but I bet my husband would say that it applies to him too.  I'm not a perfect wife, and I don't have a perfect marriage, but in our 18 years together, I think that I have had the privilege of learning a few things as we've weathered the normal ups and downs of "happily ever after".  I don't know if it's just me, but washing dishes is my place of "aha" moments and I had one this week - I truly think that the character trait that the Lord has been gracious to grow and stretch me in that has benefited our marriage most is forgiveness.  Through no merit of my own (I've got a pretty quick trigger temper, combined with an mulish tendency towards stubbornness), I always find my heart softened and open towards my spouse a few short hours after a conflict.  And it's really not dependent upon his actions; it's a desire for inner peace with the Lord and a big dose of empathy - being able to see things through his perspective and understand why he does the things he does, for better or for worse.

One of my favorite parables about forgiveness: Matthew 18:21-35

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times.

"Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
At this the servant fell on his knees before him.  'Be patient with me', he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when the servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.'
"But he refused. Instead he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in, 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

A Little Preview from our "Dreadful" Night ;P

Oh my, look what a fantastic job our photographer did last night?!  She was so excited to share with us that she messaged me one of the finished photos last night already.  I can't wait to see the rest.  We are so blessed to have brothers and sisters in Christ that invest with their time, TALENT, and treasure in our family and in God's work.

Photo Courtesy of Mrs. A. Bourn

Growing in Christ

One of the most beautiful things about this missionary journey, outside of the satisfaction of following God's calling, is the opportunity for incredible growth in the lives of both James and I.  It's no coincidence that part of our pre-field training includes a local church internship, and to that end James has been working with one of our pastors and learning how to do hospital chaplain visits.  I'm so proud of him as he's studied and prepared diligently for both of his appointments.  I look forward to seeing the other ways in which he grows through this journey.  I've been seeing a lot of growth in my prayer life.  This has always been an area in which I've struggled.  I've known that my prayer life discipline isn't what it should be for about the last year or two.  And that head knowledge grieved my soul, but I still wasn't following through.  While I'm far from where I know God wants me to be yet, I am improving in the discipline of prayer weekly and, most importantly, the joy of purposeful communication with my Lord.

Our Very First Partner!

Today calls for a celebration of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord - we have our very first support partner on this journey.  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation! Oh my soul praise Him for he is my Rock and Salvation!

Also, both James and I were blessed this morning by our brothers and sisters in Christ - James by being given the opportunity to tag along with one of our pastors on a hospital chaplain visit and share a psalm that he picked after much studying and praying last night, and me by an encouraging email sent by one of our Sending Team and Prayer Partners.  I'm sure she won't mind if I copy it here, as perhaps it will bless someone else as it blessed me today--

Good morning, 

As I read this verse in Hebrews this morning, I thought of you.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Praying this for you today!

Our First Presentation as New Missionaries

Yesterday we had the great, great privilege of making our first presentation as newly-minted ABWE missionaries to Togo, West Africa.  We did a brief summary of our experience at Candidate Seminar and our plans going forward at our church's morning service, and then we did a full presentation during the evening service.  It was a blessing to be allowed to report to these good people, and we were humbled and encouraged by their feedback.  We gathered a Sending Team of nine fantastic couples/singles that will help us through this journey of pre-field ministry, and a Prayer Partner list of 44 folks that have committed to regular, dedicated prayer for us.  To God be the glory!

Thank you to Elaine S. for capturing this photo

 

We're Officially Missionaries!

The tenor of our blog is changing - there will still be newsy family updates, and personal musings, but mostly I'd like this to become a blog about our ministry.  We are officially missionaries now, appointed by ABWE to serve in North Togo.  We are in pre-field right now, which is a ministry focused on raising team partners, spiritually and financially.  The thought of pre-field is daunting, as someone who is so uncomfortable with asking others for assistance.  Thankfully we were given a bible study to complete regarding partner raising for missions work, and it is so helpful to know that asking and allowing others to join with you in God's work is biblical!  I will admit though, knowing that in my heart and expressing it outwardly is two different things.  I pray daily for boldness, and might I make my first prayer request here for courage and endurance during this time of early pre-field ministry?  

The Call

Why us?

We are an average American family.

We send our kids to school.  We participate in extracurricular activities.  We have and enjoy nice things.  We like having the world at our fingertips via the internet.  We like our comfy, beautiful house.  We love living a place where we get to experience the four seasons.  We don't care for extreme temperatures.  We love air-conditioning and fireplaces.  We love to go out to eat.  I love Diet Coke.  I like flashy, outrageous heels.  We have seven kids.  We've developed deep roots in our community and especially in our church.  We have teenagers starting to plan for their future.  We are swiftly approaching our forties.  We have a new baby.

The reasons for not going are so numerous, I could go on for hours.

But none of it matters.  Because God has called us to the mission field.  And no comforts of home and community and family, however wonderful, are more satisfying than following where He leads.

We have begun our application with the ABWE mission board.  This process takes quite a long time, so this is not something that will happen immediately, or even within the next year.  But, if God desires it for us, as we feel surely that he does, it will happen exactly when it is supposed to.  

I've wanted to be a missionary for a long time - in fact in my 8th grade, under "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up" I wrote "A missionary doctor in Africa".  Well, I was a bit off on the doctor part, but I've gotten two thirds of it right.  For James, this hasn't been a lifelong ambition, but the Lord has been working in his heart during the last few years.  He's especially been moved to watch the developments of the mission work in Togo, Africa.  And at the beginning of February, we both approached each other with some trepidation, worrying that the other would think we were crazy or be totally opposed.  Oh, what little faith we had!  Instead God had moved us both in the same direction at exactly the same time!  Where we go and what we end up doing could change, depending upon needs, but right now we are hoping to go to Togo, a country in West Africa.  You could hardly find a place more different than Boise, Idaho. 

At times this feels all like a dream, like how could God be calling puny, unimportant little me to such a work as this.  How I wish I had more skills to help the people - that I were a doctor or a nurse, or something very important.  But I trust in our calling and that God can use even the smallest and the least of his people, and such a one as me.

Welcome 2015

2014 was a year of transition in our home.  It was more of the "negative" transitions, though, tearing down old methods, bad habits, preconceived notions, and prejudices.  It wasn't always pretty work, but it had to be done.  2015 is going to be our year of rebuilding - rebuilding our marriage, our family, our security, and our future, and our dreams.  The foundation is the easiest.  That is Christ, always and forever.  This wall quote features prominently in our dining room, and I strive to notice it multiple times a day.  Because my strength, and even James' strength, is not enough for the task ahead.  Only through the grace of the Almighty, given wondrously and freely, will we be able to be all that He intends for us to be as individuals, as a couple, and as parents.  Onward to 2015, and with all gratitude and appreciation to our God and King.

Our 16th Anniversary

We celebrated 16 years of wedded (mostly) bliss on May 23rd with a dinner date to Tucanos and a rare photo together.  We purchased a fire pit as our gift for each other.  We've used it a few times, but man it's been so hot this summer that it's hard to get out there and stomach the heat until after 9 or 10.  Hopefully we can use it more in the fall.

Grandpa's Visit

My dad stopped by for a week-long visit in May, which is always a great pleasure.  We belatedly celebrated his birthday with my homemade German Chocolate Cake.  He also got to spend Mother's Day with us, which meant a relaxed barbecue in the backyard with family.  The kids are always so happy to have him around, it's funny how, if I suggested playing at the park with a frisbee I'd be met with "whatever Moms" but when Grandpa wants to do it, they are all over it.

Zoo Fun

There hasn't been a year that I haven't made it to Zoo Boise at least once, between the annual preschool trip and the annual kindergarten trip.  This year we just had one combined trip for the girls, as their classes went at the same time.  Next year we will double up again, as Cecily will go for kindergarten and Elle will go again for preschool.  This year was a nice treat as Daddy got to go too!

Bigger Family Christmas :)

After our intimate (or as intimate as a Christmas with eight people can be) Christmas morning, we head over to James' parents house to share the rest of the day with his family.  It's a veritable feast of fine food, a gorgeously set table, presents, and lots of lots of coffee (it's been a long day by the time we finish opening more presents and eating our Christmas dinner).

This is how the day starts out - all energy and excitement

A rare Mom photo

Ian rocking a Christmas sweater

Just like his Dad

Post-gift opening fun with Little People playsets

And Colin with Legos!

And this is how the day ends, everyone wiped out and falling asleep

Sunday School Program

I always have a difficult time deciding which Sunday to put on our "Christmas clothes".  Do I do it on the Sunday School program Sunday, or the Sunday immediately preceding Christmas Day?  First world problems, eh?  At the end of the day, I chose the Sunday School program.  Weren't you just dying to know?

Mr. Colin Man - behind those innocent big brown eyes lie heaps of mischief

This was literally the best photo of all the kids.  Sad, I know.  Better luck next year, I guess.

Elle, or as she refers to herself "the baby of the family"

Ian, who was a Bethlemite "extra" in the program

Miss Cec, usually prim and proper

The tie is totally my fault - don't blame him, he wears whatever I tell him to...

The littlest ones (2-3-4 classes) sang a few Christmas songs for us, including Away in a Manger

She made eye contact, but she wasn't going to break her "game face" by waving on the way back down the aisle

Allegra played Mary (in the pink), Ian's in the second row in the striped blue tunic, and Colin's in the first row in the dark brown robe with light blue scarf

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving seems like forever ago, and indeed as Valentine's Day is fast approaching, it kind of was.  So, I thought, instead of focusing on the day in retrospect (it was a normal American Thanksgiving anyways - food and family), I thought I'd make a list of the ten things I was most thankful for in 2013.

1. My Savior - My list starts out with the easiest: I'm thankful that I have an all powerful God who has chosen me, despite my utter unworthiness
2. Reading through the Bible this year with James - We were supposed to have finished by the end of the year, reading the Bible from Genesis through to Revelation.  We aren't quite there yet, we have about 30 more days to "make up" still, where we fell behind schedule.  What a blessed experience this has been for us as a couple (we read out loud together) and for us as followers of the Way - we look forward to doing this annually and we've started on next year's schedule as well (we've chosen to do this year chronologically through the Bible)
3. My Husband - He's got such a huge load on his shoulders, and he handles it all without complaining and without looking back, and he's growing in faith every year
4. Hero, Allegra, Ian, and Colin - I'm thankful for my "bigger" kids.  It's amazing to watch them grow into their own people.  Sometimes it's a ride (that I might wish had an exit door from time to time LOL) but I know that the hard work put in now will pay off as we watch them move into the world independently and positively impact those around them
5. Cecily and Elinor - I'm so thankful that I still have "littles" around to lavish my love on, knowing just how fast the precious time flies.  I soak in every "Mama" and every snuggle I can get.  It's one of the benefits of having a large family, and I think of how I'd miss out if I had just my two oldest kids, two years apart, like most people do.  My biggish family certainly didn't grow out of my own planning - it is one of God's choicest blessings.
6. My Dad - I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow closer to my Dad, as he tries his best to be there for me and James, and the kids.  It's not the way any of us planned it, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mom is proud of both of us for where we've gotten (we can talk on the phone for a long time now - who would've thought?  we've probably talked more in the last two years than we'd talked for the previous fourteen, just because that was Mom and I's thing)
7. My Brothers - Maybe an oldest sister never quite thinks of her brothers as "grown ups", and I admit that it's hard, but the proof is in their lovely families and the fact that I enjoy spending time with them and wish that we were all much closer, geographically speaking
8. Our Trip to Hawaii - The trip changed every one of us who was there, permanently.  It brought a smorgasboard of emotions, but the single most important thing it did was remind us that we are a family, and that no one ever really leaves a family when they pass on - their legacy and memory lives on through generations.
9. Our Pets - We lost some beloved pets in 2013, and gained some too.  What a thoughtful, caring God to have made certain animals to be true companions alongside humans!  Thanks for the memories Princess, Tabatha, Bear, Ginger, and Bart, and we look forward to many more memories our little pet family of Rory, Cinammon, Augie, fishies, Essie, Elsa, and Stella.
10. Books - Lest I be too serious, this year was a big year for me to get back into reading.  I mean, I never really stopped reading, but I forgot a bit just how much a love to read.  I acquired a lot of new books for my library and have been absolutely devouring everything from serious academic texts, to faith-based books, to classics, to fluffy fiction.

Among a few other things, I contributed a dessert to Thanksgiving dinner - Neopolitan Cheesecake

Cecily and Colin burning off some Thanksgiving energy outside

Hello to Esther!

In November we welcomed a new member to our pet family - a kitten from the humane society that we named Esther (we call her Essie most of the time, unless we find her trying to get on the table, and then she hears her full name yelled at her).  She's a perfect fit for our family - spunky and vivacious, but very loving.  She's already grown very much in the two and a half months we've had her, and it's added such fun to our home.  We said goodbye to the last of our elderly cats (we lost the last three within four months), which was very difficult, but young, vibrant life has a way of reminding you that time marches on.

Cecily spends a lot of time toting Essie around

Elinor's more content to observe and occasionally pet

James is secretly a cat lover, I think

Essie hanging out with Hero's guinea pig, Cinammon

Her favorite place to lay is in front of the fireplace, when it's on

35 Years Young

I celebrated my 35th birthday on October 27th.  That sounds a bit old, but most days, that's about what I feel.  I'm not one to hang onto my youth too much anyways (youth is overrated, and only appears supersweet when you are armchair quarterbacking, in my opinion).  James and I celebrated with dinner at Tucano's Brazilian Grill (free dinner for the birthday girl, woo hoo).  On begins the march to 36 next year...

Hawaii - Part 7

Due to an approaching tropical storm, our plans to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center had to be scrapped, so we filled one day with a hike up to Makapu'u Point lighthouse.  I highly recommend it - it's an easy 1 hour or so hike on a paved path and it's very scenic and kid-friendly.  Some of my favorite pictures from our trip were from our hike.  God sure knocked nature out of the park when he created the Hawaiian islands, didn't He?

Elinor and Daddy

Grandpa and Daddy with all the kids

Mama and Miss Elle

There's a beautiful grey and white bird in the tree with a brilliant red head that we saw for most of our hike back down