Abide

Making the most of the snow that delayed our departure

The African heat hit us as soon as we stepped off the plane. Coming from the blizzard of the northeastern US we knew that even Kenya might feel hot. (Kenya is a lot cooler than the islands.) We didn’t get into the guesthouse until after midnight and we tried desperately to convince our three jet-lagged little kids that they should go to sleep quickly and silently for the sake of the other guests, even though the beds were different, it felt hot and they were bouncing off the walls. The five of us in one small room means that no one sleeps until everyone sleeps. Sleep finally came, but the alarm for breakfast came all too soon.

Then the real whirlwind began as we got in a van and headed for the conference center over an hour away where tons of our friends and colleagues were already meeting. Coming late to the conference meant we attracted attention, but we also hadn’t seen anyone for over a year and we have a new baby. Then there were all the new people we needed to meet (including two of the people that will join our team in November!).  Our daughter commented with a good-natured smile, “I always have to tell people my name and how old I am!!” Our middle son started off shy but quickly warmed up and our youngest charmed everyone with lots of big smiles. For hours stretching into days we have been shaking hands, giving hugs and hearing updates from many people we care about a lot and who are working in similar situations as us.

Megan reconnecting with old Chad teammates

On top of the social aspect, there were the meetings. The conference has a good amount of free time built-in but this is often used for meetings between small groups or individuals. Every time Tom said he was going to try to rest-- another meeting would pop in-- at meals, at rest time, in the evenings. He’s gone to bed close to midnight every night. Plus the meetings have pumped us full of information that we will need for our team and will shape and influence the coming months and years.

Then there is the actual conference-- a great speaker, workshops and discussion groups. It has been a busy few days and we’ve barely gotten control over our travel-fatigue, but what theme has been spoken to us in all this busyness?

The message from John 15-- abide!! The speaker encouraged us that we have to take the time to rest and dwell in prayer and study. He who said, “I am the true vine,” He must be our source for all things because verse 5 tells us that without Him we can do nothing. Our relationship with Him cannot be given mere lip service but ultimate priority.

Our daughter making a new friend at the conference

A timely reminder for us as the busyness of life threatens to distract us.

PRAYERS ANSWERED
Despite delays, we finally made it safely to Africa with all our luggage! The kids did really well on the flights.  The conference has been a great time to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and to be challenged and encouraged for our future work and lives. The man who is coming to help Tom look for a house has made it safely to Kenya as well.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
We fly to the islands on Tuesday-- please pray for this final flight. Pray for our kids as we transition to island weather and culture. Pray for Tom and two colleagues as they go to Clove island to look for a house to rent. Pray that they would be led quickly to just the right house and that the landlord would be reasonable and welcoming. Pray for Megan and the kids as they wait on the big island. Pray that we would find favor with the Clove Island ministers as we try to get our longterm visas and that Tom would have wisdom as he makes all these initial contacts.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.