Family Time!

Our oldest daughter, Hannah, was able to join us in Kenya for three weeks. It was so good to be with her and to celebrate our wonderful Savior’s birth together as a family. We also celebrated something else. One week before she came she got engaged to Henrik Stevens. Now we know how much she must love us – being willing to still get on that plane and spend three weeks apart from her fiancé!

They are still in the midst of planning, but it looks like the wedding will be toward the beginning of this August in Minneapolis. Which means a change of plans for us! Initially, Lilli was going to return with Tiana and Sophia in July to get Tiana settled in college, while the two men stayed behind in Kijabe. Now we will all be coming back from about mid-July to mid-August. It’s not much time, especially considering a wedding in the middle, but we would love to see you if you are anywhere near Minnesota! We’ll let you know more details as the time approaches – perhaps we could have a little gathering.

One thing about joyful reunions, tearful goodbyes are never far away. I’m told it never gets easier. It’s one thing to have a child living across the country, but across the ocean, a 25-hour multiple plane trip away, just feels different. And yet there’s also a sweetness in it. Our girl is growing up. That’s the goal of parenting after all. God will soon call Hannah and Henrik to their own mission field, likely outside the United States as well.

During our time together I kept thinking, “This is the last time we’ll be together like this. Next time, Hannah will be married (or in the process), which I’m happy for. But it will be different. Treasure this time!” We must treasure each moment with our children and with those we love. But I’m learning I can’t cling too tightly to things I don’t want to change. God is on the move. He calls us forward, not back. And so I said another goodbye, sorrowful, yet also rejoicing in my heart and so proud of my little girl. We’re not home yet. Someday there will be no more sad goodbyes! And yes, Lord willing, we get to be together in a short six months!

Term Two at RVA is now in full swing, with all of our amazing students and staff – and all the activity that comes with it. Please pray for us as we care for sick kids, minister to staff members in crisis, mentor students, provide dorm cover for eighth grade girls each week, sponsor the eighth grade class, teach Sunday School, enjoy our caring community of twelfth graders, and do all the other things God has called us to do by his strength. Send us a note and let us know how we can pray specifically for you too.