A Journey

Just one week ago I was packing the last of our luggage. In a few hours we would leave for the airport on the first leg of our journey back to the Philippines.

“Let’s see… tickets, luggage tags, phone numbers, keys… What’s that I hear coming from Jonathan’s bedroom? It’s singing. Ah, Sara is in there softly singing Jonathan to sleep. But with all there is to do, why is she in there singing to…”

Then it hit me. The separation. The distance. Jonathan wouldn’t see Sara again until Christmas. Neither would I! Moments later Sara emerged from Jonathan’s room. Before I could speak a word, my arms were around her and I was crying. This is by far the hardest part of being a missionary.

Hours later, Hannah, Martha, Jonathan, and I were watching Fort Worth from an airplane window. But my eyes couldn’t see very well. My heart questioned: Lord, am I doing the right thing? Please watch over Sara.

Now it’s a week later and we’re working on getting settled. After leaving Fort Worth, the plane trip was long but uneventful. We stayed two days in Manila, getting oriented and greeting fellow missionaries. On Wednesday morning, we were welcomed to Iloilo City by dear friends.

During the past three days we have unpacked, bought appliances, and searched for a house (the place we are staying is temporary). We don’t have a telephone or a post office box yet. We’ll have to find an internet café to check email. There are a host of things to attend to. Lots of ministry plans to make.

But, we’re here, and in my spirit I know this is where God wants us. I see religious idols displayed throughout the city. Groups of Filipinos practice vain traditions to appease an angry god they do not know. The landlord told me this morning that he is destined to be successful because the lines in his palms connected at the right point.

My heart breaks for the spiritual darkness these people live in. God’s heart breaks even more. Thank you for under-girding us in prayer. We depend on it.

P.S. Sara, Daddy misses you a lot and loves you very much.