GO

“When it comes to world missions, there are only three kinds of Christians: zealous goers, zealous senders, and disobedient. Which will you be?” - John Piper

I remember reading that quote for the first time and feeling my jaw drop.

He didn't just say what I think he said, did he?

It's such a harsh line to draw in the sand, but I've always been a fan of saying it like it is. Not beating around the bush. Giving it to me straight.

I know not everyone appreciates this, but I do.

Jamie and I have had the opportunity to both go and send. In my own heart I know there have also been times when I have been disobedient in not helping to send people either through prayer or finances because of selfishness or laziness.

When we've sat down together and talked about our future, our passions and where we see God leading us as a family (don't worry...we aren't perfect. We don't often have these talks. But when we do...) going overseas has always been something we've been open to. Something we've wanted to do. We didn't know when or where although we both have a heart for Africa.

I think we both got caught up in the mindset that because we have young children we should stay put. Settle down. Don't go overseas where things are dangerous.

Until a seed was planted in Jamie's heart by a young missionary serving in a closed country overseas who has 2 young children. He's an American. A Westerner serving God overseas with his family. Jamie emailed with this dude and God started to fan the flame within Jamie that perhaps the time for us to GO was soon. Sooner than we could have thought.

And then our organization's South East Africa partnership decided to focus on Uganda (Jamie being on the SEA partnership team) and Jamie had a thought one night...

What if we were the ones to start the partnership with a year or two spent serving and partnering with the ministry there?

So he proposed the idea to me. And we talked. And while I had all the immediate "what if"s pop into my head, the draw to leave it all behind and GO live in Africa immediately resonated deep within me. I have no explanations as to why I feel so strongly that this is where we should be other than it's what God wants for us. For our family. For our 2 boys. For Jamie and I. For the Ugandan students & staff.

Of course it will mean sacrifices. Like me wanting to start trying for a third baby next summer. Obviously I wouldn't do that if all goes through and we end up leaving in a years time.

Like leaving behind amazing and supportive family.

Like leaving behind wonderful friends and a church we have grown to love very much.

Like leaving Canada just as one of my best friends is returning home from the UK.

Like leaving behind the guarantees of a/c and electricity and running water and internet.

But God knows. And He has an awesome plan for our family. And I trust Him.

Anyway. So that's us. While we haven't filled out any paperwork and nothing is official, that is where our heart lies and our hope is that this time next year we will be getting ready to leave for Kampala, Uganda for one or two years.

We are praying and hoping for a team to go with us and I would specifically love to have another family take this step of faith with us...but I am confident knowing that whatever God has planned is best for us and for me.