"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for...By faith Abraham, when
called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,
obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Hebrews 11:1,8
****************
Back in the fall we heard a song at church that was very powerful and meaningful to us. IF YOU SAY GO:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You
As we sang that song the same thought ran through both our minds: "I bet that for most people the first line is the hardest to sing ("If You say go, we will go") but for us, the second line is much, much harder("If You say wait we will wait.")
It is no secret that we have a longing and burden for Asia. We firmly beleive it is, and always has been, from God Himself. And yet, for reasons not known to us God has had us in the States these past two years. And we have been okay with that (there are a lot of great things about America!) We have been willing to be here if that is what God had for us. When we moved to Florida last summer, we assumed it would be for a long time. God didn't tell us that we would be here a long time, we just "decided."
It was a good year. It has been hard at times...the pregnancy, some of our boys, all of us living in a small house, etc. But overall it has been really good and we have enjoyed it. Me, being the dreamer that I am, had passing thoughts of going back overseas soon but I knew that Jason was pretty grounded in wanting to stay here, be stable.
Late December 2007: God gave me the word, "CHANGE" for the year 2008. God gave Jason the word FREEDOM
March 23: Easter Sunday. I felt like God wanted to do something big in our lives. I prayed that God would speak to Jason's heart, especially if it meant He wanted us to go somewhere else.
March 24: I got the first inkling that we wouldn't be staying at our jobs next year. Set up a meeting with our supervisor.
March 26: Found out that for various reasons, including our family size and the constant struggle to balance family and word demands that our supervisor didn't think it would be wise to do another year.
March 30: Our pastor takes a break in the middle of a sermon series to preach a sermon he thought he needed to preach. It was on the theme, "Going and Not Knowing." He preached about Abraham being called into a land that he did not know. Abraham went in faith, fully trusting in God. We also sang the song written above. So meaningful for us!
Spring Break: Lots of talking, praying, struggling. Started to look into various opportunities...India, the Dominican Republic, lots of stuff. We were open to whatever God wanted for us. During this time I also wrote on a paper towel (the only paper I could find in the RV) a list of "WHAT MATTERS MOST." I wanted to create a filter to run things through. If they passed through the filters of what matters most to me, they are worth my time.
April, May: Through some friends we found out about a position available at Faith Academy in the Philippines. Jason taught PE when we lived in India and he knew we wanted to go back to that. We started the application process.
If we were going to Faith, it would mean raising full missionary support. That meant, we would need to stay in the States for six months to a year while we raised support. We decided that the best thing for our kids would be to stay in Orlando. I would work on my template business and some other related projects full-time.
We weren't at the point that we could say, "We know God is calling us to Faith." However, we did feel that God was having us pursue this as an opportunity and to trust Him in all things. We finished the application with Faith and started to try to solidify plans to be in Orlando for six months (at least). We also looked into a few short-term options outside of Orlando. We spent many days house-hunting and making plans.
EVERY time we tried to nail down something specific, a roadblock would show up. Schooling options for Alaina, every house we looked at fell through for some reason, things just weren't working out. However, we were at TOTAL peace that God was caring for us.
May 15: We were on our way to Disney. Another housing option had just fallen through. In addition, a new project I had been brainstorming and planning also fell through. I was in the car on the way into the park, and my spirit was not at ease. I was frustrated, trying so hard to trust God and yet I felt like everywhere we turned, we hit a brick wall. I got out of the car and just said to God, "I don't know what to do!" I looked up and literally written in the sky (by some guy who does airplane words in the Orlando area) were the words, TRUST JESUS. To be honest, I didn't want to think anything of it. I really just wanted to have a pity party. Later in the day I realized that we just needed to STOP for a few days. Just take a few days and pray that God would reveal His plan to us. We had hit one too many roadblocks to staying in Orlando that I just didn't feel comfortable pursuing any more without devoting some time to prayer.
May 19: I was again feeling very sad, and very scared. We were exactly one month from being done with our jobs in Orlando and we had no idea what we were doing. We still hadn't heard an answer from Faith, and even if we did, we didn't have anywhere to go for the next six months while we were raising support. I was in the shower and just prayed, "God, I am at the end of my strength. We have shown that we trust you fully, that we will go anywhere and do anything. I just need you to show us SOMETHING."
I got out of the shower and got an email from an organization we had looked into a number of times over the lats few years. I knew that they had a PE/Athletic director position available but since we had contacted the organization a few times over the last few years and nothing had come of it, I didn't want to contact them. A few times over the last few months I just prayed, "God, we don't feel comfortable pursuing this option again. If You want it to happen, you can make them contact us."
We weren't interested in the position they were contacting us about, but we asked if the PE/Athletic Directing position was still open. It was. Emails back and forth. A phone conversation last Friday night. Interview Monday morning. We were supposed to hear back on Wednesday night.
On Tuesday night, I prayed that we would hear early. I knew that this is what Jason REALLY wanted. Even more than the position at Faith. He loves teaching PE but the Athletic Directing in addition to teaching is what he really wanted. I just wanted to know.
On Wednesday morning we had an email saying that they tried to call Tuesday night. They offered Jason the position. We wrote back and accepted.
WE ARE MOVING TO INDONESIA!
And we couldn't be MORE excited. This is NOT what we had planned on. This is NOT what we thought was going to happen. We were content to be here, to struggle through the balancing act of work/family. We were willing to live in a house much too small for us. We were willing to trust God and raise support to go to Faith Academy. We were willing to do whatever God asked of us. (BTW, on the same day we were offered the job in Indonesia, we were also offered the job at Faith Academy in the Philippines. We feel that the job in Indonesia is more suited for us, though).
But God knows what we need more than we do. He knew I needed to be done working outside the home and just concentrate on raising my kids and pursuing my art. God knew that Jason needed a job that he truly loved and is really good at. God knew that we needed a house that would better meet our needs. God knew that it was best for our kids to not have to transition two times. God knew it all.
There is so much more to the story, but I have gone on long enough. Suffice it say that God has walked us through so much over the last few months. It has been really hard at times. But more than that, it was comforting. Other than a few moments (on my part) of feeling sorry for myself, we really were at total peace the whole time. We didn't know what God had in store for us, but we knew that He was caring for us. He comforted us with Scripture, with sermons, with an inner peace that could only come from above. He is good.
***********
The next few weeks are going to be CRAZY. We still have three more weeks of work here in Florida. However, sometime next week the boys start going to school only 9-1 (meaning we only have four hours off during the entire day). We also don't have our regular days off (but we do have the weekends). In the next three weeks we have to pack our ENTIRE house, pack a shipment for Indonesia, pack airline luggage, and sell and store the stuff we are not bringing.
Although the position is salaried, we do still have to raise money for outgoing expenses (flights, visas, passport renewal, shipment, house set-up, etc). That will take some time.
On June 21 we leave for a two week orientation session outside of Memphis. Then we will go to Michigan for a few weeks (and take a trip to Montana for a week). Then, we will fly to Indonesia around the 31st of July. So in two months, we will be on our way out. So hard to believe!
I am sure I will have more to share over the next few weeks. We appreciate your love and support and we covet your prayers for us as we prepare.
Hebrews 11:1,8
****************
Back in the fall we heard a song at church that was very powerful and meaningful to us. IF YOU SAY GO:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You
As we sang that song the same thought ran through both our minds: "I bet that for most people the first line is the hardest to sing ("If You say go, we will go") but for us, the second line is much, much harder("If You say wait we will wait.")
It is no secret that we have a longing and burden for Asia. We firmly beleive it is, and always has been, from God Himself. And yet, for reasons not known to us God has had us in the States these past two years. And we have been okay with that (there are a lot of great things about America!) We have been willing to be here if that is what God had for us. When we moved to Florida last summer, we assumed it would be for a long time. God didn't tell us that we would be here a long time, we just "decided."
It was a good year. It has been hard at times...the pregnancy, some of our boys, all of us living in a small house, etc. But overall it has been really good and we have enjoyed it. Me, being the dreamer that I am, had passing thoughts of going back overseas soon but I knew that Jason was pretty grounded in wanting to stay here, be stable.
Late December 2007: God gave me the word, "CHANGE" for the year 2008. God gave Jason the word FREEDOM
March 23: Easter Sunday. I felt like God wanted to do something big in our lives. I prayed that God would speak to Jason's heart, especially if it meant He wanted us to go somewhere else.
March 24: I got the first inkling that we wouldn't be staying at our jobs next year. Set up a meeting with our supervisor.
March 26: Found out that for various reasons, including our family size and the constant struggle to balance family and word demands that our supervisor didn't think it would be wise to do another year.
March 30: Our pastor takes a break in the middle of a sermon series to preach a sermon he thought he needed to preach. It was on the theme, "Going and Not Knowing." He preached about Abraham being called into a land that he did not know. Abraham went in faith, fully trusting in God. We also sang the song written above. So meaningful for us!
Spring Break: Lots of talking, praying, struggling. Started to look into various opportunities...India, the Dominican Republic, lots of stuff. We were open to whatever God wanted for us. During this time I also wrote on a paper towel (the only paper I could find in the RV) a list of "WHAT MATTERS MOST." I wanted to create a filter to run things through. If they passed through the filters of what matters most to me, they are worth my time.
April, May: Through some friends we found out about a position available at Faith Academy in the Philippines. Jason taught PE when we lived in India and he knew we wanted to go back to that. We started the application process.
If we were going to Faith, it would mean raising full missionary support. That meant, we would need to stay in the States for six months to a year while we raised support. We decided that the best thing for our kids would be to stay in Orlando. I would work on my template business and some other related projects full-time.
We weren't at the point that we could say, "We know God is calling us to Faith." However, we did feel that God was having us pursue this as an opportunity and to trust Him in all things. We finished the application with Faith and started to try to solidify plans to be in Orlando for six months (at least). We also looked into a few short-term options outside of Orlando. We spent many days house-hunting and making plans.
EVERY time we tried to nail down something specific, a roadblock would show up. Schooling options for Alaina, every house we looked at fell through for some reason, things just weren't working out. However, we were at TOTAL peace that God was caring for us.
May 15: We were on our way to Disney. Another housing option had just fallen through. In addition, a new project I had been brainstorming and planning also fell through. I was in the car on the way into the park, and my spirit was not at ease. I was frustrated, trying so hard to trust God and yet I felt like everywhere we turned, we hit a brick wall. I got out of the car and just said to God, "I don't know what to do!" I looked up and literally written in the sky (by some guy who does airplane words in the Orlando area) were the words, TRUST JESUS. To be honest, I didn't want to think anything of it. I really just wanted to have a pity party. Later in the day I realized that we just needed to STOP for a few days. Just take a few days and pray that God would reveal His plan to us. We had hit one too many roadblocks to staying in Orlando that I just didn't feel comfortable pursuing any more without devoting some time to prayer.
May 19: I was again feeling very sad, and very scared. We were exactly one month from being done with our jobs in Orlando and we had no idea what we were doing. We still hadn't heard an answer from Faith, and even if we did, we didn't have anywhere to go for the next six months while we were raising support. I was in the shower and just prayed, "God, I am at the end of my strength. We have shown that we trust you fully, that we will go anywhere and do anything. I just need you to show us SOMETHING."
I got out of the shower and got an email from an organization we had looked into a number of times over the lats few years. I knew that they had a PE/Athletic director position available but since we had contacted the organization a few times over the last few years and nothing had come of it, I didn't want to contact them. A few times over the last few months I just prayed, "God, we don't feel comfortable pursuing this option again. If You want it to happen, you can make them contact us."
We weren't interested in the position they were contacting us about, but we asked if the PE/Athletic Directing position was still open. It was. Emails back and forth. A phone conversation last Friday night. Interview Monday morning. We were supposed to hear back on Wednesday night.
On Tuesday night, I prayed that we would hear early. I knew that this is what Jason REALLY wanted. Even more than the position at Faith. He loves teaching PE but the Athletic Directing in addition to teaching is what he really wanted. I just wanted to know.
On Wednesday morning we had an email saying that they tried to call Tuesday night. They offered Jason the position. We wrote back and accepted.
WE ARE MOVING TO INDONESIA!
And we couldn't be MORE excited. This is NOT what we had planned on. This is NOT what we thought was going to happen. We were content to be here, to struggle through the balancing act of work/family. We were willing to live in a house much too small for us. We were willing to trust God and raise support to go to Faith Academy. We were willing to do whatever God asked of us. (BTW, on the same day we were offered the job in Indonesia, we were also offered the job at Faith Academy in the Philippines. We feel that the job in Indonesia is more suited for us, though).
But God knows what we need more than we do. He knew I needed to be done working outside the home and just concentrate on raising my kids and pursuing my art. God knew that Jason needed a job that he truly loved and is really good at. God knew that we needed a house that would better meet our needs. God knew that it was best for our kids to not have to transition two times. God knew it all.
There is so much more to the story, but I have gone on long enough. Suffice it say that God has walked us through so much over the last few months. It has been really hard at times. But more than that, it was comforting. Other than a few moments (on my part) of feeling sorry for myself, we really were at total peace the whole time. We didn't know what God had in store for us, but we knew that He was caring for us. He comforted us with Scripture, with sermons, with an inner peace that could only come from above. He is good.
***********
The next few weeks are going to be CRAZY. We still have three more weeks of work here in Florida. However, sometime next week the boys start going to school only 9-1 (meaning we only have four hours off during the entire day). We also don't have our regular days off (but we do have the weekends). In the next three weeks we have to pack our ENTIRE house, pack a shipment for Indonesia, pack airline luggage, and sell and store the stuff we are not bringing.
Although the position is salaried, we do still have to raise money for outgoing expenses (flights, visas, passport renewal, shipment, house set-up, etc). That will take some time.
On June 21 we leave for a two week orientation session outside of Memphis. Then we will go to Michigan for a few weeks (and take a trip to Montana for a week). Then, we will fly to Indonesia around the 31st of July. So in two months, we will be on our way out. So hard to believe!
I am sure I will have more to share over the next few weeks. We appreciate your love and support and we covet your prayers for us as we prepare.
Wow! I absolutely love seeing the indisputable evidence of God answering prayers! You're right, He is good.
I'm so happy for you and your family, knowing that you are finally getting to do something your heart has desired.
I can't wait to continue to read about all of your experiences and more answered prayers!
Posted by: Kresta | May 31, 2008 at 03:53 AM
How awesome Janet!!! I am so excited for you and your family! How amazing that God spoke so clearly (albeit in His time!!!). I will pray for your family in the next few weeks as you finish work, pack, travel, and play with those sweet kiddos of yours! You will need to remind me if you have been to Indonesia before - you have been many places I can't remember! Thank you for sharing your whole story - such an inspiration!
Posted by: MandaKay | May 31, 2008 at 03:57 AM
Wow, wow, wow! Having worked in the same sort of MK/international school ministry, I'm so excited for you! It's so cool to see how God has worked in your life to bring you and Jason to this place. I can't wait to hear more.
Posted by: Kara | May 31, 2008 at 04:11 AM
WOW!! That is fantastic! It is an awesome thing to know that you are going where the Lord wants you to be, and it makes it so much easier to weather the bumps in the road that come along (and they will!). It brings such a peace. Good luck in all that is coming in the next few weeks!
Posted by: Sue | May 31, 2008 at 04:29 AM
That is incredible Janet...so excited for you and your family and it seems like the perfect opportunity. Good luck with everything...I can't wait to hear more about this journey!
Posted by: Leslie (lhaslem) | May 31, 2008 at 04:30 AM
What awesome and exciting news! I've only been faithfully reading your blog for a few months but I have been so very inspired by your faith and courage and determination! Yall are one remarkable family!
Posted by: Lucrecia | May 31, 2008 at 04:32 AM
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness! Okay, you really have to write me and tell me more!
Posted by: SteinyGirl | May 31, 2008 at 04:41 AM
how incredible and exciting, janet! thanks for sharing your story - it is encouraging to hear other's experiences, especially in ministry!!
Posted by: Laura | May 31, 2008 at 04:41 AM
I'm crying reading this! I know how you love that area! Sooooo glad I got to spend time with you and your amazing family before you moved!!! Hang in there and sending prayers your way! :) (((HUGS)))
Posted by: islandmom | May 31, 2008 at 04:43 AM
how wonderful for you !! i am a lurker to your blog (and a major buyer of your templates - LOL) - but wanted to comment and tell you congrats :) good luck these next few weeks - i'm sure it will be busy and exciting at the same time!
Posted by: dana | May 31, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Wow - that is fantastic. It is such a great thing to see God's hand as he provides for everything we need. I will definitely pray for you as you guys prepare.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 31, 2008 at 04:59 AM
You are such an inspiration! Congratulations and good luck getting everything done for the big move! I'll be praying for you and your family.
Posted by: Heather | May 31, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Wow! How exciting! You guys are so amazing and I wish you all the best! God obviously has some amazing plans for your family in Indonesia...Can't wait to read all about it!
Posted by: Jenn | May 31, 2008 at 05:33 AM
Your blog has really spoken to me over the last few days. I loved "The Morning Prayer" that you shared, and it came at a time that I really needed to hear it. I'm also thankful for your statement above: "God knew that we needed a house that would better meet our needs." We're in the very long process of looking for a home that will better suit our growing family, and I lost hope just this past week as my favorite option was taken away. Thanks for a wonderful reminder that God knows what we need and He will provide. God bless your family in this new stage of life!!!
Posted by: Carolyn | May 31, 2008 at 05:44 AM
WOW! I am so thrilled for you family. There is no place better to be than the "center of God's will" and it sounds like that is exactly where you are going to be. You are such an inspirtaion. I will be praying for your family as you prepare to leave and for the wonderful mission ahead of you. I hope that you will continue this blog and keep us posted on all the things God is doing in Indonesia.
Posted by: Kacee Hogg | May 31, 2008 at 06:11 AM
How exciting!! I had a feeling you might be making a big moving announcement very soon after your last few posts! Good luck as you start on this next big journey! I hope you'll continue with selling your templates too, I know there would be a lot of really sad digi girls if you don't!!
Posted by: Shawna Taylor | May 31, 2008 at 06:18 AM
I am so excited for you! God is indeed an awesome and generous God. And so inspiring to hear of how He honors the desires of your heart.
Good luck on your move and all the preps needing to be done. But from the looks of it, there is really nothing to fret about, is there?
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Posted by: Joy | May 31, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Congrats on the new job. I love your work and I will pray for you all. Good luck with getting packed. Sometimes I think that is the hardest part of moving. I too love The States, but LOVED my time living overseas. Enjoy the ride!
Posted by: Erin Gardner-Jensen | May 31, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Janet, this is wonderful! Do you think you can explain or summarize the ministry of the place where Jason will work, and also tell me how I might be able to give financially to support you? Thanks!
Posted by: Hollie | May 31, 2008 at 06:42 AM
This is wonderful news, Janet! And how exciting that you can see the progression and how God has worked in all of this.
Posted by: Melissa | May 31, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Wow Janet! I'm so glad you guys found the news you wanted. Best of luck!
Posted by: Vanessa | May 31, 2008 at 10:31 AM
WOW! I am so excited you are getting to go! Congrats!
Posted by: Laura | May 31, 2008 at 11:27 AM
so exciting!!!! that's amazing news!
Posted by: jennyg | May 31, 2008 at 11:27 AM
What a beautiful testimony of God's love, provision, and protection at work in the lives of his kids! I have no "silver or gold", but "such as I have" (my prayers) are yours. May God continue the miracle during the time of transition.
Posted by: Marci | May 31, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Oh Janet,
What a wonderful blessing. You and your entire family are in my prayers. God is Good. I love your templates, so varied and easy to use again and again. God bless you in Indonesia.
Posted by: Holly in Japan | May 31, 2008 at 12:47 PM