What now?
All we know at this moment is that God has called us back to the States. Do we have a clear picture of what we will be doing? No. Do we know where we will be full-time? No. All we know for certain is that He said, “Return. Return and I will lead you. I have plans for you.”
For two people that like to plan and have a clear picture of what’s happening, this is somewhat difficult. We know and trust God entirely, but our human side sometimes takes over and we get frustrated when the billboard doesn’t appear! He is growing us and definitely stretching us for a greater purpose. We will trust and walk with Him as He guides us to our next phase in ministry.
You can’t take the mission out of the missionary. We will always be missionaries. No matter where He leads, no matter what we do, we are on mission for Him. Our lives are dedicated toward serving Him and making disciples for His glory.
We do have a favor to ask to those of you that we will re-connect with, serve with, and live life with. We ask that you please be patient with us. We ARE NOT the same people that left a little over four years ago. We don’t even remember who those people are. We don’t have the same focus. We don’t like to do the same things. We don’t eat the same things. We don’t live the same way we once did. Our priorities are completely different. Please don’t expect us to jump back in to your first-world society and instantly be the people we once were.
We are forever changed.
We are ruined.
We are transformed.
We are different.
Our soon to be sixteen year old (10th grader) has never been asked to a homecoming or social event in a proposal-type manner. She doesn’t even know how to drive. She doesn’t own a cell phone. She doesn’t know who Justin Bieber or Katy Perry is. She has never been to the mall alone. She has never been to a music concert. The only time she has put on make-up was when her cousin came to visit and she made her try it. But, let me make something very clear…SHE DOESN’T CARE! Her favorite activity is sitting in the dirt, in Africa, playing with Swazi children. She is a comforter to those in need. Small children feel so comfortable with her almost daily one falls asleep in her arms. She has been peed on many times. She makes kids laugh when they have no reason to laugh at all. She gives them hope with her smile. They treat her as a jungle gym and all want to be held in her loving arms at once.
That is who she is.
Be patient with her as she figures things out in America.
Our eleven year old (6th grader) doesn’t listen to pop music. She doesn’t even have an IPod. She doesn’t remember much about life in The States. She has no idea what a Vera Bradley purse is. She, too, has never been asked to a homecoming dance in a proposal-type fashion. She doesn’t like to wear shoes. She doesn’t wear name-brand clothes. She doesn’t have a cell phone, either. But, let me make something very clear…SHE DOESN’T CARE AT ALL! I’ve never seen a child give so much of herself away to others. She loves to get dirty, as she loves on precious babies. Her tender heart and compassion show up daily as she seeks out kids that are sitting or playing alone. She loves to visit the local hospital and play with the sick children. Kids are automatically drawn to her when she steps out at a Care Point. She wants to be a missionary when she grows up. Little does she know she has made the biggest impact on Swaziland through the ages of 7-11. Our tiny missionary.
That is who she is.
Be patient with her as she figures out how to be a missionary in America.
We will depart from Swaziland November 10th and arrive in Birmingham late at night on the 11th. We ask for your prayers for traveling mercies and uneventful flights. We ask for prayers for our last two weeks here. Prayers for comfort and strength as we say good-bye. Everything has become a “last”, now.
The last visit to of our Care Points.
The last visit to a special family’s homestead.
The last time to sit and chat with one of our pastors.
The last time to hold one of our favorite kids.
The last time to sew with 70 amazing high school girls.
Thank you for joining us on this journey with your prayers and financial support. As of now we are remaining on staff with Adventures In Missions (AIM) through January. We would ask that if you are a financial supporter, please continue your support through January 2015. Our journey is not over. We will keep you posted as God reveals to our family, the next steps He leads us to take.
Blessings and love,
Mark and Allison
