Unexpected but overjoyed!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Plans verses reality
As many of you may know Greg and I applied with an organization this year to become short term coordinators in Senegal, Africa (northwest Africa). We started the process about 6 and half months ago. There were different stages that we needed to pass. As we passed each stage, Greg and I began to feel pretty secure in the fact that the family would be leaving sometime in August of 2010 (after he finished up his M.A. in May 2010).
Very LONG story but in the end we were not a fit for the job that was offered in Senegal (it turned out NOT to be a short term coordinator position). It was crushing. I was literally sobbing. The feelings of rejection and inadequates felt heavy on me. I couldn't wrap my mind around how we had been able to do so much in missions and had passed so many of the requirements to be then denied.
God's timing was so perfect. 2 months prior, my mother had bought a plane ticket to come up to Portland to see us. It so happened we got our phone call from the organization on the exact day my mother flew in. It was exactly what my heart needed. To be around a parent who could just listen to me cry and hold me. How awesome is our God that He knows what will cause us pain and then gives us the resources to take care of our heart. I felt so loved. We live in an awesome community in the married housing at Multnomah. Our friends were kind and gentle. We were able to start to process our emotions. It was such a safe place to do that. Without condemnation or judgements.
That night, I left to go pick up my mother from the airport and as I was driving I was singing (loudly and off key) to the radio which then I missed my exit and had to drive the rest of the way to Washington before I could turn around. There is a bridge that connects Oregon and Washington that goes over the Columbia River. It was sunset time and it was such a beautiful scene. The hills looked purple and the sky had flashes of pink, orange, blue, yellow. The river was deep sparkling blue. It was breathtaking. As I was driving I kept telling God. Wow, you really are so beautiful and amazing. And then I was overcome with thankfulness. I remember saying,
"Lord, thank you for loving me enough to allow me to be disappointed. Thank you that even though I am disappointed and I feel rejected and inadequate... you love me enough to guide my steps. You really do know what is best. I can't see the answer to our future right now but You do. So I trust you. And again, thank you, thank you , thank you for loving me enough to say no".
So what are Greg and my plans as of now? Keep moving forward and yet be at rest. We are playing with a couple of options and we are seeking advice and some wisdom. Lord has blessed us with hooking up with a couple that spent their careers as missionaries in Africa. They are very relational and are such a great fit for Greg and me. They have been extremely encouraging and helpful. I am looking forward to being under them and working on some the issues Greg and I need to work on before we could be ready to be over seas. Isn't God so good?!
We picked Makayla for our first born's name. Greg and I loved the name because of its meaning: Who is like God!
And how true that is. Who is like our God? What a privilege to call Him Lord, Father, Savior. So, though we don't know what next fall will hold for our family, we do know we worship and bend to the God of the Universe that does know those answers. So we are waiting, keeping our eyes and ears open, but resting in Him.
We seek your partnership in prayer. We ask that you would intercede on our behalves. Ask that we be open to the Holy Spirit and what He desires for us to hear and learn and submit. Pray that we be still and not try to be anxious to get on the field. Enjoy the journey that we are currently on. Guidance as we seek options. Continue to have an attitude of gratitude. Come alongside us as we praise God for taking care of our family and keeping us from a bad situation.
Know that Greg and I love you all so much and feel so blessed to call you all family. Thank you for faithfulness in all these years. We truly have love for you all
Jen
Very LONG story but in the end we were not a fit for the job that was offered in Senegal (it turned out NOT to be a short term coordinator position). It was crushing. I was literally sobbing. The feelings of rejection and inadequates felt heavy on me. I couldn't wrap my mind around how we had been able to do so much in missions and had passed so many of the requirements to be then denied.
God's timing was so perfect. 2 months prior, my mother had bought a plane ticket to come up to Portland to see us. It so happened we got our phone call from the organization on the exact day my mother flew in. It was exactly what my heart needed. To be around a parent who could just listen to me cry and hold me. How awesome is our God that He knows what will cause us pain and then gives us the resources to take care of our heart. I felt so loved. We live in an awesome community in the married housing at Multnomah. Our friends were kind and gentle. We were able to start to process our emotions. It was such a safe place to do that. Without condemnation or judgements.
That night, I left to go pick up my mother from the airport and as I was driving I was singing (loudly and off key) to the radio which then I missed my exit and had to drive the rest of the way to Washington before I could turn around. There is a bridge that connects Oregon and Washington that goes over the Columbia River. It was sunset time and it was such a beautiful scene. The hills looked purple and the sky had flashes of pink, orange, blue, yellow. The river was deep sparkling blue. It was breathtaking. As I was driving I kept telling God. Wow, you really are so beautiful and amazing. And then I was overcome with thankfulness. I remember saying,
"Lord, thank you for loving me enough to allow me to be disappointed. Thank you that even though I am disappointed and I feel rejected and inadequate... you love me enough to guide my steps. You really do know what is best. I can't see the answer to our future right now but You do. So I trust you. And again, thank you, thank you , thank you for loving me enough to say no".
So what are Greg and my plans as of now? Keep moving forward and yet be at rest. We are playing with a couple of options and we are seeking advice and some wisdom. Lord has blessed us with hooking up with a couple that spent their careers as missionaries in Africa. They are very relational and are such a great fit for Greg and me. They have been extremely encouraging and helpful. I am looking forward to being under them and working on some the issues Greg and I need to work on before we could be ready to be over seas. Isn't God so good?!
We picked Makayla for our first born's name. Greg and I loved the name because of its meaning: Who is like God!
And how true that is. Who is like our God? What a privilege to call Him Lord, Father, Savior. So, though we don't know what next fall will hold for our family, we do know we worship and bend to the God of the Universe that does know those answers. So we are waiting, keeping our eyes and ears open, but resting in Him.
We seek your partnership in prayer. We ask that you would intercede on our behalves. Ask that we be open to the Holy Spirit and what He desires for us to hear and learn and submit. Pray that we be still and not try to be anxious to get on the field. Enjoy the journey that we are currently on. Guidance as we seek options. Continue to have an attitude of gratitude. Come alongside us as we praise God for taking care of our family and keeping us from a bad situation.
Know that Greg and I love you all so much and feel so blessed to call you all family. Thank you for faithfulness in all these years. We truly have love for you all
Jen
Monday, August 31, 2009
Kenya - Part 1
I know... I'm lame. I'm now finally sitting down to recap my summer and here it is Greg's first day back at Multnomah... meaning the fall semester has officially kicked off.
Justin and Suzanne McElderry along with Greg and myself left for Kenya in June. We had the amazing privilege of teaming alongside the Harrels and their students and friends.
We were able to see what Rich and Kathy do on a day to day basis but also we were able to see what the alumni from Moffat Bible College are doing (This is where Rich and Kathy teach). They have such a sweet spirit about them and are great examples of how to cultivate a real relationship with those that are native to the land.
We were able to go to an Orphanage for abandon babies, (some have HIV/AIDS). This was mostly to get an idea of what some people are doing in the country. It was an encouragement to see how God is caring for the children in that area. The workers were amazing.
Then Greg got the privilege of speaking at the first service at a church. He was so nervous. But he did really well. Justin was then able to preach at the second church and though it was a different style it was neat to see that God uses different methods to teach and mold His flocks.
Then on Monday and Tues Suzanne and I had the amazing privilege of teaching in a flower community called Casaroni. Pastor Charles is an amazing worker who has sacrificed greatly to love. He is loving His community beyond a Sunday morning message, but he is out there involved in the schools, ministering to those in the medical clinic, starting a feeding center, starting a preschool, starting a high school. He also makes appoint to go into the community and to sit and be with the people. He challenged me more than anyone has ever challenged me. Suzanne did an outstanding job on designing curriculum for jr. highers and for the high schoolers. No doubt that that is her gifting.
We were than able to see a couple of classes at the Moffat Bible College. And partake in the AIDS ministry that was happening at the Elementry school level.
We were able to go to a prison and be with men and women. It was great to see the hope that some had because they knew they belonged to the Lord. I will talk more about this in another blog.
Coming home is always the hard part. Not wanting to forget. Not wanting to be unchanged. Not wanting to let this become a vacation. Wanting my heart to change. Wanting my relationship w/ Christ to be deeper. Wanting my family to operate differently because of what God allowed Greg and I to see, hear, feel, experience.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
MAK 5 Baby!
Well we are back from Kenya and our travels down south. I will one day, hopefully soon, sit down and write about those wonderful travels. However, right now I am going to think about my daughter.
Makayla Joy Weaver turned 5 this morning. It is so hard to believe that this beautiful strong little girl once entered this world only weighing 4 lbs and 13 ounces. She arrived 4 weeks earlier than the doctors or I had anticipated. But my oh my! What a beautiful girl was and is. I am continually amazed at what she is learning and striving to learn. And yet, if I am to be honest, I am truly amazed at what she has taught me. I am a better person for having her. So here is my short list of things I love to do with my daughter... trust me the list is longer but these are my most favorite moments:
1) Listening to her read... LOVE it
2) watching her show compassion to those that are hurting
3) baking with her... so many great conversations while we bake... wouldn't change that for the world
4) Painting our nails... she would do this everyday if I would let her... but since her mom isn't very girly we do as our "special date"
5) sitting on the top of her bunk bed and listening to whatever she wants to share
6) making up silly stories... and helping her discover new ways of telling stories
7) listening to her play pretend and hearing her say to a friend I want to be a mom when I grow up what do you want to do?
8) And my all time favorite... hearing her pray for friends and their unborn babies. Praying for people that she misses. Asking God to take care of people she hardly even knows.
And as I said the list goes on. I am so blessed to have BOTH my kids but today I stop to remember when God allowed me the privilege to become a mom. I am looking forward to this next year and falling more in love with this beautiful child that God is molding.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Gearing Up
Well, the team leaves tomorrow night (8:55pm) from LAX. As bags are being repacked (been in Cal for almost a week now) and getting the last minute items... my heart is getting saddened by the idea of leaving my little ones behind. I woke up early (well at 7:30... that's early when my kids have been either sleeping in or Nana has been caring for them in the morning)... and continue to try to help out w/ lesson planning... (P.S. for those that don't know it Suzanne is amazing at how she balances all that she does!).
Right now, daddy is sitting w/ the little ones watching a movie. We played in the pool this afternoon for HOURS!!! So, it is nice that Greg is getting some down time too w/ the kids. Man, I love those little ones.
Please be praying for unity w/ the team. that we would be one minded in Christ Jesus and working together. Help us to yield to one another and allow each other to have clear communication. Help us to listen to those that have the experience and knowledge in Kenya. May we be an encouragement and help to the Harrell's and students we will be working with. May the time in the homes be everything that God desires it to be. May we accept the hospitality and give appresiation for that the families will be sacrificing. May the Gospel of Christ be clear and may we give and show the whole Gospel. And pretty please be praying for our little ones. The McElderry's have 3 kids ( Eliana 6, Vivian 4, and Cael 22 months). We have Makayla (4), and Ezekiel (3). Pray for their hearts and their care givers.
Thank you to all that have supported us one way or another... God used you to bring in over the requested amount for the trip, which will now allow us to bless those in Kenya even more than what we thought possible. Thank you. Thank you for those that are praying... we need it!! Keep praying.
We love you all and can't wait to come back and share what God is doing in that part of Kenya.
Right now, daddy is sitting w/ the little ones watching a movie. We played in the pool this afternoon for HOURS!!! So, it is nice that Greg is getting some down time too w/ the kids. Man, I love those little ones.
Please be praying for unity w/ the team. that we would be one minded in Christ Jesus and working together. Help us to yield to one another and allow each other to have clear communication. Help us to listen to those that have the experience and knowledge in Kenya. May we be an encouragement and help to the Harrell's and students we will be working with. May the time in the homes be everything that God desires it to be. May we accept the hospitality and give appresiation for that the families will be sacrificing. May the Gospel of Christ be clear and may we give and show the whole Gospel. And pretty please be praying for our little ones. The McElderry's have 3 kids ( Eliana 6, Vivian 4, and Cael 22 months). We have Makayla (4), and Ezekiel (3). Pray for their hearts and their care givers.
Thank you to all that have supported us one way or another... God used you to bring in over the requested amount for the trip, which will now allow us to bless those in Kenya even more than what we thought possible. Thank you. Thank you for those that are praying... we need it!! Keep praying.
We love you all and can't wait to come back and share what God is doing in that part of Kenya.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Kenya Missions Fundraiser!!!
This Saturday is our Kenya Missions Fundraiser. Greg's aunt, Chrissy, has done an amazing job in organizing some fantastic vendors that were gracious enough to donate anywhere between 10%-35% of their earnings towards the Kenya team. So, if you are in Southern California please come by our open house!
Here is the address:
Location: Schwendener Residence
4315 Myrtle Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90807 US
Host: Christine Schwendener
When: Saturday, May 30, 5:00PM
Phone: 562 243-9943
Please come by for our open house fundraiser for the Weaver's and the McElderry's! We are part of the Kenya Missions Team this summer.
There will be MANY vendors selling wonderful items and donating a percentage (10%-35%) of their sales back for this trip!
Here is a partial list of the sellers:
Longaberger Baskets by Jo Burton
Scentsy by Heidi Spurlock
Avon by Mary Beth Walker
Cookie Lee Jewlery by Ojini Arzoumanian
Maya Trade Co. olive oil
Anissa's Threads- clothing
Kathy's homemade peanut brittle
Lu's homemade jewelry, scarves and note cards
Watkin's products by Mark Montegani
Kathryn Battistone's fashion designs (just picked up by Anthropologie!)
Jill Christofferson's original artwork
Juice Plus by Kathy Weaver
Party Lite by Gina Trevino
Hands of Hope, Cambodian ministry, by Dianne Bradfield
NuSkin Galvanic Spas by Patty Roberts
Beijo Bags by Kathy Apples
Pampered Chef by Delaina McCutchen
Author, Susan Peterson, will be selling her book
Refreshments will be served. Come by for 10 minutes, come by for all 4 hours! Hope you will be able to make it! Don't forget to invite your friends!
Here is the address:
Location: Schwendener Residence
4315 Myrtle Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90807 US
Host: Christine Schwendener
When: Saturday, May 30, 5:00PM
Phone: 562 243-9943
Please come by for our open house fundraiser for the Weaver's and the McElderry's! We are part of the Kenya Missions Team this summer.
There will be MANY vendors selling wonderful items and donating a percentage (10%-35%) of their sales back for this trip!
Here is a partial list of the sellers:
Longaberger Baskets by Jo Burton
Scentsy by Heidi Spurlock
Avon by Mary Beth Walker
Cookie Lee Jewlery by Ojini Arzoumanian
Maya Trade Co. olive oil
Anissa's Threads- clothing
Kathy's homemade peanut brittle
Lu's homemade jewelry, scarves and note cards
Watkin's products by Mark Montegani
Kathryn Battistone's fashion designs (just picked up by Anthropologie!)
Jill Christofferson's original artwork
Juice Plus by Kathy Weaver
Party Lite by Gina Trevino
Hands of Hope, Cambodian ministry, by Dianne Bradfield
NuSkin Galvanic Spas by Patty Roberts
Beijo Bags by Kathy Apples
Pampered Chef by Delaina McCutchen
Author, Susan Peterson, will be selling her book
Refreshments will be served. Come by for 10 minutes, come by for all 4 hours! Hope you will be able to make it! Don't forget to invite your friends!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Horse Tail Trail
Today we spent our beautiful day outside on a hike w/ the Fudge family and 2 out 3 of the Wilson family. Such a nice easy hike w/ all 6 kids. Yep! SIX kids on this hike w/ 5 parents. However, Rach did carry Josiah on her back, along w/ Aaron carrying Ruthie... but still everyone made it. The waterfall that we hiked to today was one that you can walk behind. So fun ! It really is great to see the kids enjoy nature. They find slugs, and point out different types of trees, and come up w/ fun tunes for the walk. Even discovering how to deal w/ the potty issue when outside. Zeke, who hates the idea of going potty any where other than his pants, became thrilled at the idea of learning to pee outside his pants today. Greg's plan is to go out tomorrow by himself and try to get some nice shots w/ out the glare from the sun. Can't wait to see what he discovers.
Kids and I will be hanging out in the courtyard and getting ready to attend a birthday party at a park. So, we are still outside... just a little more easy going.
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