Zambia Update

It took a while but thanks for waiting for the update.

We met with Brian yesterday and everything is looking good for our move to Livingstone.

The charity has been set up, and is waiting just for final approval which should happen by the end of today or the beginning of next week. We have been assured that there shouldn't be any complications with this. The name of the charity is LOVE AFRICA ORPHANAGE.

So now we are looking for accommodation. Brian's sister is in Livingstone and will be looking at rental properties for us next week. Once the accommodation is sorted out we will book our flights.

We are planning to leave England on March 6th. That leaves us 5 weeks to get ready; 5 weeks of craziness!! Actually we really only have 4 weeks, as tomorrow we leave Leeds and travel south to visit family and friends for 8 days. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, but the goodbyes will be hard.

There is an area in which we really would appreciate your prayers for wisdom. Once we get back from our trip south we need to ship our belongings. There are so many options open to us and right now we are confused as to what to do. It is a lot harder and more expensive to get things from England to Zambia than it was from American to England.

Some of the questions we are wrestling with are:

Do we ship furniture as we will have none in Zambia?
If we do ship it what do we use until our shipping arrives (that is if we can't get furnished rental accommodation)?
Do we send some of our things (like school books, toys etc) by air as it will take so long to get there by sea? (You know we have experienced the frustration of shipping taking 3 times as long as it should have done).
Do we ship our van? We have been advised to do so as it will be cheaper than buying one there?

Ahhhh - so many questions and right now, so few answers. Can you see why we are asking for wisdom?

Also please keep the children in your prayers at this time. They are so ready to go to Zambia - which is wonderful - but at the same time I know that moving is very unsettling for them (ok, ok - I'll be honest, it's unsettling for ALL of us). Please pray that the Lord would give them (and us) a peace and calmness during this time.

Thank you.

Michelle

The price of beauty

One of Deanna's Christmas presents was to get her ears pierced. She had told us she wanted them done, but on a couple of occasions since she had changed her mind.

Well, we were certainly not going to force this upon her, but on Friday we were in Leeds City Center and asked her if she would like to get her ears pierced. She agreed.

So off we went to the jewelers.

Deanna was a star. They pierced one ear at a time (which did concern us a little as we thought she might change her mind after the first one was done) and although she looked worried, not a tear was shed.



Michelle

Obedience ... In Action

Over the last couple of weeks in our home school we have been studying obedience. We have been asking the question - what does it mean to obey the authorities God has placed over us and especially to obey God himself? Well, today I had the privilege of reading to my family two blog posts specifically relating to obedience to God. As I read I fought to hold back the tears because I saw lives being changed and God being glorified.

One was about Katie, a single woman who lives in Uganda. She has been so obedient in the past, yet like all of us still struggles when God calls us to do more. She wrote yesterday about a time recently when God asked her to go far beyond her comfort zone and reach out to an elderly lady. You can read about it HERE

The other is Adeye and her family. She is someone I have met through blogging and has become a precious friend over the last few months, we have spoken over the phone, but hope to one day meet in person. Adeye and her husband have amazed me as I have watched their obedience to the Lord. They are preparing to rescue two girls from an Eastern European orphanage. Both the girls have downs syndrome. This in itself would be amazing, but even more so is the fact that they already have 5 children, (1 of whom has special needs) and they home school.

Now, I know you are probably thinking she must be 'supermom' being able to handle all this, but you know, she is just like you and me. She's a little scared, but is willing to be obedient - to step outside of the 'comfortable' life and trust Jesus. You can read about Adeye's story HERE.

The difference between them and most of us is that they obey despite their fears, despite the sacrifices they have to make. Why? Because they LOVE God; because they know that God will give them what they need; because they know God will enable them to do what He asks of them, with His strength; because they have obeyed in the past and know that God is faithful.

Their kind of obedience is what God is calling all of us to. Just imagine with me, what this world would look like and how many would be brought to Christ if only we would be prepared to give up our 'western' dreams and live a life that is truly obedient to Christ.

Michelle

Truth? PART 2

Biblical Christian

World View - God is in absolute control of everything. His will is clearly revealed in
the Bible. God is totally committed to and actively involved in fulfilling His
will.


Beliefs - I believe God's will is to bring redemption through Jesus Christ to all
nations of the earth. I believe I am blessed to be a blessing and therefore to
actively participate in His redemptive purpose.


Values - I think it best to seek first the Kingdom of God. To find my part in
fulfilling God's plan. To be obedient to His revealed will for my life and
to dedicate all that I have for the accomplishment of His purposes.


Behaviour - I adopt a lifestyle that will glorify Christ and enable me to fulfill my
part in His redemptive purpose through all the seasons of my life.


Is this what you see from scripture a Biblical Christian should be?

Are you striving to become this person? If not, what is holding you back?


Gary

Truth? PART 1

Christian

World View - God is basically in control. His will is contained in the Bible but because of
differing theological views it is difficult to understand.


Beliefs - I believe Jesus died on the cross for my salvation. If I live true to His word
He will bless me throughout my life. When I die, I will go to heaven.


Values - I think it is best to live a good life-to pursue holiness and righteousness, to
read my Bible, to witness when I have opportunity, to belong to a Church,
tithe and participate to the best of my ability in its activities.


Behaviours - I try to be good, to obey the Bible, to do the things expected of a Christian
both in Church and in society.


Please leave a comment as to what you think about this list.

Come back tomorrow for PART 2

Gary

Obedience

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses.....
Exodus 4:10-14

How many of us are saying NO to God? What kind of excuses are you using? Are you saying, No God I can't leave my family; No God I have a good job; No God, people are depending on me here; No God, I just got everything the way I like it; No God, I am comfortable!!!! No God ______________! (You fill in the blank)

Just remember, God is still calling and He expects us all to obey. Just like He did Moses, Abraham, Jonah, David, Paul, Peter, and Yes even Jesus.


Gary

More sledding fun!!

Yesterday morning we were up and out before the crowds reached the hills in the park. In fact, we were the first ones there. For 2 hours we enjoyed the slopes.

Nicholas enjoyed seeking out the ramps and flying.

We have really enjoyed the snow over the last few weeks, but as I type it is raining :(

We are hoping it may snow again before we leave, but if it doesn't we still have the memories and the pictures to prove that it can and does snow in England!!!

What life do you want?

We need to awaken to this idea that it's good to trade in something small for something HUGE! Its not bad, Its not crazy but good. Something small which God thinks we should trade in, is the lives you and I run, lives that you and I are in charge of, lives you and I have programmed out to their end conclusion - We need to trade that kind of life in for a life that fits in to this grand epic that is going on around us right now - which is the story of GOD, which is about GOD, which centers in GOD, which came from GOD, and ends in GOD, which IS GOD!

The tragedy for me and you would be that we would hang on to a little bitty life and never awaken to the Grand Story that's going on all around us at this very moment, that is Jesus Christ the Living Son of GOD! Not to someone we've read about or heard about at Church or sat around at a Bible study and talked about but that we would awaken to the face of the Living Son of GOD and that we would see Him and touch Him and be touched by Him and know in that moment, in the exchange, in that interaction, that He is better than everything in the whole world. That He is the very best thing there is. Once we see that, it makes it easy for us to unlock that process of trading in something little for something BIG!!!!

Louie Giglio
Passion Conference
2010
Main Session 1

Gary

Although a lot is good too!!

I woke up this morning to just a dusting of snow, but within an hour we had 2 inches on the ground ... and it has just kept snowing.

As of 2pm British time we have almost 5 inches - which is an amazing amount for this part of England.

I was talking to someone at the shops today who said it has been years since they have had a snowfall as big as this.

We feel so blessed to have the snow - and are making the most of it as our days of snow are numbered due to our move to Zambia next month.

We spent the morning playing in it and plan to enjoy a less crowded sledding hill tomorrow as the rest of the kids should be back in school. Oh, the benefits of homeschooling and a flexible schedule!!!


Michelle

Just a little snow works

As you can see there wasn't much snow that fell, but that didn't matter.

Because behind the place where we live is Springhead Park, which is home to the most wonderful sledding hill.

The hill is steep enough that as long as the ground is frozen, it doesn't take much snow to turn it into a wonderful place to sled .... or fly!!

Thankfully only a few bruises were received in exchange for a wonderful hour of fun by all.

Reflections

As I look back over this last year I am amazed at the journey the Lord has led us on.

We began this year living in Missouri, yet preparing for a move to England to work with WEC International. So, now at the end of 2009 we are living in England, yet preparing to leave WEC International and England to move to Zambia possibly in Feb 2010.

We have had a good year in England, of course accompanied with the normal challenges of settling in to a new home and culture. Back in the spring we found a great group of friends for the children through a small group of Christian homeschoolers.

We have also been blessed to find a church that we can call home. We have been amazed at the generous hospitality which the church members have shown us. The homes in England are so much smaller than the ones in the US, yet that has not stopped our large family of 8 from being invited over to their homes for dinner on several occasions.

The work at WEC has been challenging yet rewarding as Gary has helped to oversee the major roof work that commenced here shortly after our arrival. He has also dealt with some major structural issues and is currently rehabbing two apartments that are needed for new workers.

The Lord has also been so generous to us in providing all of our needs. We arrived here with no money left to purchase a vehicle, but God has provided. We have actually been given two vehicles, a VW Polo, which is great when just a few of us need to run around town and also a large 8 seater Toyota van which has been perfect when we needed to go out as a family.

In the beginning of September the Lord also blessed us with the opportunity to go on vacation in Wales with 60 other Christian homeschool families. What a joy that was to allow the kids so much freedom, knowing they were safe in the environment. Then at the end of September Gary’s Mom came to visit. She was able to stay for 2 weeks and we took her to visit several different parts of the country, including Bath, London, a day trip to the beach on the North Sea, a stream train ride through the North Yorkshire Moors and the children’s favorite – Legoland.

We have also had the privilege of spending time with Michelle’s family including meeting her brother’s son for the first time and being here when her sister gave birth to their first child just a few weeks ago.

The kids have done really well with the transition to England. Obviously, like us, they miss their friends in America, but don’t complain often and seem quite happy here.

As I said at the beginning of the post, it has been a good year. Actually, an incredible year, as we have watched and seen the Lord's provision, love and guidance for us.

We are excited, about what the Lord has planned for us during 2010. We know that it will be good, because all His plans are good (not always easy, but good).

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during this year and we pray the Lord will bless you and your families in the year to come.

Michelle

What are you GIVING this Christmas?

Tag - Christmas Memories

Yesterday I was "tagged" by Adeye. We have never met although we are good friends as we both share the same passion for our Lord and have a heart for the orphan. If you have never checked out her blog I suggest you do. Currently her family are waiting to bring a precious child home from Eastern Europe.

Anyway, the reason she tagged me was to share a Christmas memory so here goes.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I love the expectation and anticipation that the season holds, obviously as a child I longed for the presents I would receive and always enjoyed the time spent with family.

Christmas in England was similar to that in the States. It was often cold, yet I don't remember a white Christmas. One of my favorite traditions was carols by candlelight at church.

During the advent season a cross covered with candles would be suspended from the ceiling in the church then, the Sunday before Christmas the church would hold a carol service. The building would always be packed, the candles lit and the lights turned out. After the service there would be a time of fellowship where we would drink tea and eat mince pies.

Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) is also a public holiday in England. On this day we would always travel to my Grandparents house and meet up with my uncles, aunts and cousins.

I think the most special Christmas I had was just 8 years ago. In the summer of 2001 my Dad suffered a major heart attack. We weren't sure if he would survive but thank the Lord that he did. After 9/11 that year the prices in airfares dropped dramatically and Gary decided he would like to take me home to England for Christmas. It was wonderful to be together with my family that year - you never really appreciate what you have until you almost lose it. I thank the Lord that He gave us that opportunity to be together.

I look forward to making memories again this year. Once more the Lord is allowing us to be together with my side of the family. My parents, my sister, my brother and their families are all going to be here with us for Christmas. With us moving to Zambia in February, this may be the last Christmas we celebrate together and I am so thankful to God for giving us this opportunity.

Well, I've shared my memories, now it's time for me to "tag" 5 friends to share theirs. This is how it works. Share a favorite Christmas memory, link to my blog somewhere in your message, tag 5 more bloggy friends, and then link back into my comments section to tell us when you're blog is ready to share!

Summer
Kathy
Dorothy
Shannon
Anita

Rothwell - Lights On

The day after Thanksgiving saw us walking in some very cold weather (well, cold for England!!) to Rothwell Town Center to watch the Christmas lights begin turned on. We thought it would be a quick event, but were wrong as a 45 minute show was presented before the lights were switched on.

The kids had a wonderful time. Listening to the Christmas music.

Hugging with Mom to keep warm (I really enjoyed that too!!)

Playing with the balloons that were handed out.

Watching everything that was going on.

And just hoping their balloons wouldn't float away!! (notice - we tied them around wrists!!)

And for those that complain that I never put a picture of myself on the blog - here it is!! Sorry it's blurry - but that's as good as it gets!!!


Michelle

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas

This post is very late (blogging has taken a back seat over the last couple of weeks) but the tradition in our home is to put up the decorations the day after Thanksgiving.

The kids were excited to get all the decorations out and up. We borrowed a Christmas tree from my parents (as they will be with us for Christmas) and used our ornaments that we had brought from the States.




I love the time when they bring out the ornaments. Most of them are ones the children have made, or special ones that we have given them over the years. I often hear "Oh! Do you remember when ...." or "I forgot I had this one!!"



After the tree went up we made some decorations for the wall and then Nicholas put up his "Mary Christmas" sign!!! :)



Michelle