my kids, your kids

Many people from home often tell me they wish their kids were experiencing what my kids are experiencing: giving clothes and food to the poor and needy, helping others as a way of life. They wish their children can see what my children see: people who have nothing, people living sold out for Jesus regardless of their living conditions. Living the way my kids live: seeing zebra's on the side of the road, learning new languages, meeting people from around the world.  I know what we are doing, what we are experiencing, what we are seeing and what we are a part of is a HUGE privilege. I am truly thankful for this path the Lord has us on!

But you know how it is, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?  So, guess what I often wish for my kids? I wish my kids were experiencing what your kids are experiencing: having friends, having family in the same country, going to school. I wish my kids could see what your kids see: football and baseball games, current cartoons, read any book they want . Live the way your kids live: opportunities galore, an AWANA program, comfort and convenience and variety. What YOU are doing, experiencing, seeing, what you are a part of is a HUGE privilege. It's the path God has you on.

Are you surprised that a missionary would want that for her kids?  I am often surprised by my feelings. But what I often just want is normalcy for my kids. I want them to have friends to play with and have relationships with. I want them to get into arguments with other kids, learn conflict resolution, have a teacher challenge them in a way I'm clueless about, have relationships with kids that make them think and laugh and make them feel special. I want them to see their grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles. I want them to have access to all the opportunities America gives it's citizens. I want them to know our home culture. I want them to live in a home that has heat when it's 30 degrees at night. I want to be able to relate to them. I don't know what it's like to be a kid and live they way they are living. I feel helpless most of the time.

There is a constant battle in my heart--wanting to give them the best of everything and realizing this is God's best for them right now. 

The world and Satan want you and I to forget about eternity. These evils want us to crave the shiny things of life over the things that bring us closer to God. Oh God keep my eyes on you! Help me to want what You want for my kids! Together friends, let's choose to be faithful for the season God has us in. To accept this as His best for us. To love Him all the more for it and trust Him regardless of how we feel. And most of all, be thankful. In some seasons of life thankfulness comes easily, in other seasons it comes as an offering. 

Being a missionary seemed so easy when I was a single girl heading to Asia. But now, as a Mom, a wife, the holder of our parents' grandchildren, well, let's just say there is nothing easy about being a missionary now. But really, the concept remains the same. I must focus on Jesus and let Him carry my burdens and keep an eternal perspective. I pray that for myself, and I pray that for you.

Thanks for listening and thank you for all of your prayers and support! We continue to strive to be faithful to God in this season and faithful to your investment in our lives. To God be the glory!
Katie