Blessings from all sides! Home Assignment: April – July 09

Many people have told me they could never do what I do or they recognize the sacrifices I make to live and serve in Africa- some point out the fact that I have left behind dear family and friends others seem more humbled by the comforts and conveniences I have chosen to go without. To those people I say there may be great sacrifice from your perspective but from my perspective I have simply been doing what I believe I have been equipped and called by God to do and in doing so I am gaining so much (not losing). Also, I try to share the incredible benefits gained from my time in Africa. There are many!

Certainly there are challenges and struggles I face in Africa that I would not typically face in the US but it is worth it for the many lessons learned, the deep relationships formed and the incredible memories made. Some day I hope to share more about this as I believe much of who I am today is thanks to the time spent here in Africa. But for now, know it is these relationships and rich lessons that inspire me when I get to go home for my furlough or home assignment.

Every two years I make the official trek back home. During this time it is my task but more my joy to connect with people and to share how God has been working in and around me through my work and life in Africa through World Concern.

What an incredible honor and joy! For 3 solid months I get to meet up with and build relationship with people I truly enjoy and respect. I spend a portion of my time with family which is always a treat and it requires me to move around a bit. My sister Deanna and her family live in Maui so I ‘have’ to go to Hawaii. My brother Vanoy and his family live in Baltimore so they get me to the opposite side of the country and also allows for a base to make a few east coast visits. The rest of my immediate family is in the Northwest so I am able to see them throughout my time in the Seattle area.

Along with spending time with family I love connecting with my closest friends. Many live in the Northwest but some are scattered in other parts of the country such as Colorado, Tennessee and New York which means more moving about! I always cherish this time with friends- sometimes I only get to share a meal with them but if I am lucky I may get more. However, due to this short time we are good about diving in and being intentional. I feel blessed to have such sweet time with so many amazing people.

When I am not with family or connecting with people on an individual basis I am often doing presentations with churches or groups or I am at our HQ in Seattle working with our staff there. One way or another my home assignment is generally very busy and far from restful but it is a change of pace and change of scenery which is always healthy. I am totally filled up after spending time with people that I so enjoy and yet by the end I am also starting to miss those I left in Africa! Ah, the challenge and joy of having a big heart and many homes!

So, now that my 2009 furlough is officially over and I am back in Africa starting my next term, I would say this: It was amazing; it was more than I could have imagined and it was a gift! I could write pages and pages about the people, places and events that I experienced but I am sure that would get boring so I will just say surely I am blessed. Thank you to all of you that in one way or another invested in me during this time. I am richer for it and I thank God for you!