Psalm 107: 6-9 "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
We are resigning our term with the IMB as guest house managers in Lusaka, Zambia, and plan to back in Walhalla, South Carolina, in January 2009. We have truly enjoyed our 15 months serving in Zambia, and this decision has been one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make. You have been our prayer partners for this mission endeavor, and we are encouraged by your continual prayers and your commitment to partner with us in the work.
Why are we returning home?!!!
Ever since we arrived on the field, we have struggled with home schooling. All three of the kids had attended public school in the states, and as much as we tried to home school, it just did not fit our family. The fact that we were running the guest house out of our home and trying to home school three children (ages 12, 10, and 7) amongst the chaos was not cohesive.
Also, shortly after arrival to Zambia, our son, Austin, was diagnosed with severe anxiety. He was then diagnosed with asthma. Our two youngest, Coby and Kelsey, were hit with allergic reactions which caused them to go on allergy medicine every day to prevent breaking out in rashes. Still, after Satan’s attacks, we were still obedient. It seemed that we were traveling for medical purposes every couple of months. We were encouraged to try some different methods of home schooling, and it was recommended that we get the kids into a school system. This year has really been tough on the whole family, and we began to “cry out” for help.
We began the process of searching for better options for our children, but in the end it was determined that the best decision for us at this time would be to return to the states. After much counsel and many, many tears the Lord has drawn near to us in this time, and He has given us a peace about our decision and a grace to not only be okay with our situation, but even be excited about what He has planned for our family.
We still covet your prayers as we seek what the Lord has in our next chapter. Nothing has changed in our hearts. Our desire is still to serve our Lord and be obedient to Him. All that has changed is our geography. We love you all and look forward to keeping you posted. Thanks to all of those who have already responded in prayer to God and encouragement to us.
We have known throughout all of the change of our plans and throughout this time of struggle that God has not left us. He is ever-faithful. He always has been and always will be. We see this as another chapter in our lives. As stewards of our children, we simply desire to aid in the molding and shaping and forming of Austin, Coby, and Kelsey’s hearts and lives in a way that is most pleasing and honoring to the Lord. Please pray that God will grant us grace and mercy and wisdom and discernment to be the parents that we need to be for our children.
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