The Past Year

Yesterday (ok- so it was yesterday when I began, "Yesterday" is now several weeks later) I spent some time looking over all of my previous posts from the last year or so since we started this process. It was so much fun to do, and a good reminder of what the Lord has done. To see when we were discouraged- how He provided encouragement and validation of our calling. How when we wanted to be in a different place- He reminded us of His perfect timing and plan. How when we so wanted to quit and do something else, He used our children and others to refocus us.

The best reminder for me of God's provision for us over the past year is WHEN He got us to Japan. That it did not matter what we did or did not do, He got us here in His perfect timing. Let me explain a little. During the end of the spring and into the summer we were Very stressed and starting to feel anxious that OUR GOAL of August would not be met. When August came and went- I think we both felt discouragement and let down in a way that we had not accomplished what WE had felt was best. During this time though Kevin's grandmother had gotten sick and it seemed she was only getting worse as trips to the hospital were more frusterating and no one seemed to know exactly what the problem was. We kind of put support raising on the back burner as we prepared for Japan in other ways and tried to spend more time with family.

To me, seeing this provision of us still being in the states to be able to spend time with Kevin's grandmother in her final days, and to be able to mourn the loss of a Great woman and be there with his family during such a difficult time meant so much to us. Before August came, we thought we knew what was best and that our timing was right, but after August came and went, we were SO thankful that we were still in the states. For God does know best and He provided for us in holding us back so that we would not miss out on a very important part of family life with Kevin's side.

Here are some of my favorite reminders from the past year or so:
Please enjoy seeing how much our lives have changed and where we have been brought and thank God along with us for He is Great!


1. Oct 20, 2005
Reading this and seeing how God has changed my attitude and I LOVE being here and could not imagine being anywhere else in the world, not even my "comfortable" life of old. Thank you God for giving me Joy about where you have brought my family.

2. Jan 8, 2006
I smile reading this as it is SO true of Meg, as people have told me before- she was made to be a Missionary Kid! So relaxed, and easy going and makes friends everywhere she goes. Thank you Lord for the way you have made Meg!

3. March 31,2006
To look back and see how God has provided for us in the support raising, and we are here in Japan, with an army of support with us! Thank you all for your love and joining us on this adventure. Thank you God for providing each and every one of our supporters!

4. April 9,2006
It brings me joy to see that our children are very involved in what we are doing here and sense the importantness of it. Since being here, we have had conversations with Meg about Buddhist beliefs etc because of things at her school. She still has the heart you can see in this blog- wanting to tell the kids at her school about the one true God and that they do not need to play with the Daruma doll but can worship God instead. Thank you God that you have called us as a family and have put a heart of missions in our kids!

5. May 30,2006
I love this picture- maybe the light playing on the kids faces, maybe the quiteness it portrays, maybe the joy on Titus' face, not exactly sure why, but it just makes me so happy to remember this picture and the great time the kids had that day. Thank you Lord for blessing us with wonderful family that loves and supports and cares for us so much!

6. June 25,2006
Another great photo which reminds me of all of the friends we have back in the states and around the world who love us and are praying for us. Thank you God for those whom you have put in our lives to love and minister to us. Thank you for friendships!

7. Aug 16,2006
A serious of photos of our vacation last summer. Reminds me of the sweet quiet times we have been given even in the midst of a crazy last 2 years. Thank you God for rest and relaxation!

8. Sept 7,2006
A great reminder that we have been blessed with 2 absolutely wonderful children! Thank you God for Meg & Titus!

9. Nov 5,2006
we are so blessed to live in a beautiful place which we love, surrounded by God's beautiful creation which reminds us every day how good He is. Walking outside here just makes you happy it is so pretty. Thank you God for Karuizawa and it's beauty.

10. Dec 25,2006
To see the provision of God in placing people here with us. Thank you God for the people you have placed in our lives already in Japan and how you are using them to minister and love us!