Missing Home!

There are times - thankfully not too many - when I really miss home. Not home, per say, but my family. This past week has been one of those times. Don't get me wrong; I love being here in Tactic and believe this is where the Lords wants us at this time. It's just sometimes I would love to be able to go to my sister's and just spend the afternoon together. Or invite everyone over for a meal and play games into the evening. I think some of my favourite times with my parents over the past few years has been over a dish of apple crisp playing a game.

I think what triggered my sudden bought of home-sicknesses is that Rocky and I have been talking about him going to Canada with Hope in June. Because of a few groups cancelling, we have a chunk of time without any teams. Hope was already booked to return to Canada June 7th - she hopes to be accepted at Eagle Bay Camp as an LIT 2 (leader-in-training second level). Because we won't have teams here at that time, and because of our shortfall in support, Rocky is considering going back with her and trying to find some work for a month. The difficult part is that I cannot go along; it just doesn't make financial sense. If Rocky goes to Canada for a month, it is pretty likely that he can pick up a job, and make enough to not only pay for his flight, but also to help us get out of the hole. If I go along, however, we would only break even on our flights.

Living on faith support has been one of the biggest stretches for us as we embarked on the adventure of full-time foreign missions service. Before, when we both had jobs, we simply bought what we needed and purchasing a second airline ticket would not have been a insurmountable obstacle. Now, although, every penny we have is given to us by others who have worked hard to earn it. They have sacrificed so that we could be here. We, in turn, must sacrifice as well. And for me, right now, that means not getting to go home and get a dose of family when I would really love one.

It is at times like this when I draw great strength, inspiration and encouragement from the Apostle Paul. For years I read the passage out of Philippians 4 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength - and I'd say, yes, I can! Interestingly, today, it is not verse 13 that speaks to my spirit, but rather what preceeds it.

Philippians 4:11-13 ...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

I know my challenges are nothing in comparison to what the Apostle Paul faced, and yet he said he had learned to be content. I am learning - yes, just learning! - that all things are in my Father's hands and I can be content regardless of my situation. Today, for me, that includes staying behind while Rocky and Hope go to Canada.