I was laughing at myself a few hours after I had posted my last entry on Sunday. The last sentence of that entry says, ” … but then again, it has been kind of nice these last few weeks not to live out of suitcases.” Why was I laughing at myself? It is because I had forgotten that the very next day, Max and I would be packing up and flying to Indianapolis for a couple of days. Oh, well… so much for not living out of suitcases:-)
Our full day of meetings at our mission board included the retelling of the joys and the sorrows, the highs and lows of our life in Chile. It was good to look back and rejoice with our mission’s leadership team of all that God allowed us to learn and experience throughout our time there. We also met with a counselor to be sure that if there were any unresolved or negative issues, we would be able to begin to process and work through those things. Thankfully, we were able to walk away from that session knowing that we were at peace with all that we had encountered these past few years.
It was a long but good day of closure for us. The end of the day signified the end of that chapter of our lives. Of course, we are still passionate to be missionaries for Jesus, just in a different vicinity. We will always have the experiences ingrained in our hearts and minds, and we will have the opportunity to continue our relationships with the Chilean friends we gained.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…
Your turn to share: Are you starting a new chapter in your life?
January 26, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I am starting a new chapter in 2008! My bible study I attend helps me so much. I am becoming more aware of GOD all the time. There are many things I would like to attend this year and GOD willing I hope I will!! Of course you know everything takes money and I wish it didnt!! Thanks for all you do.
January 26, 2008 at 7:03 pm
WOW, where do I start?! This next year is going to be very interesting for the Doty family!
Phill is starting out a new “career” as a leader with Young Life in about a week. This is a volunteer position for the first 9-12 months, and after then, it’s based purely on fundraising. So, until I find a full-time job, we will be without and income or insurance! We hope this period of time doesn’t last very long!
I’ve had a few interviews, but no offers. If I go back to doing what I was before having a family, I have to get licensed again, which is a very intense exam. I was hoping to find an office position somewhere close to Batavia, so I wouldn’t have to get my licenses, but so far I haven’t had any luck. Hopefully I’ll hear from one of the places soon!
So, that’s the next stage of our lives coming up. We’ll pray for you if you pray for us!!
Love,
Mo
January 26, 2008 at 10:49 pm
After being a stay at home mom for 10 years, my girls are both in school all day! During one of those first quiet days in my house, I realized that I had accomplished my first life goal (being home with them) and that I needed some new goals.
I just finished my rough draft essay for my grad school application. I love to teach and I love library work, so it seemed natural that I would work toward my Masters in Library Science with my new goal of being a school librarian.
This is a big decision for our whole family, but one that we feel will be good for us. I’m a little rusty at writing papers and taking tests, but I’m excited!
January 27, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I feel that I am not quite at a new chapter in my book but my husband is. Its interesting being on the other side. I am trying to support him as he is at this new point in life. I like being able to support him. He has been there for me so many time through so much and now i have the chance to do the same for him.
January 27, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I feel like a new chapter is starting—but am not sure in what direction I will be going!
At this time I just have to rely on God’s Word—where it says “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” It’s a good thing ’cause I haven’t got a clue!.
January 28, 2008 at 2:47 pm
What is your present address. Thanks for sending it.
Delphine
January 28, 2008 at 10:24 pm
YES!!!!! Sorry—that’s all you get right now
January 30, 2008 at 10:19 pm
In the fall I will no longer be a mother of preschoolers. All four boys will be in school full time. What the Lord has in store for my time while they are at school remains a mystery at this point, but I know that I want that time to be spent serving Him.
April 29, 2009 at 7:32 am
Hi – I am an ex-missionary, Christian Life Coach – in -training. I was just googling to see what there is around for debriefing missionaries and if this is an area I can help in with Life Coaching which I can do through long distance phonecalls. Many blessings on your future..We were working in Uganda, returning in 2001.