Concern's of a 5 yr old

While in Jamaica in Oct. we went on a little boat ride. We were sitting in the boat and Erin asks me what all the life jackets are for. I said there is one for everyone on the boat in case of an emergency. She said I can't swim that far(we were probably about 25 yards from shore in about 5 ft of water) I hugged her and said that she didn't need to worry about it I could swim. She again stated "I can't swim that far", again I told her not to worry I can stand up in this water, it isn't deep. She seemed ok at that point and enjoyed the rest of the boat ride. I was reminded of how God comforts us.

Erin's next story starts back in Oct when we got on the plane to Jamaica. While sitting on the runway I noticed she wasn't looking very happy so I asked her what was up. She asked if we were going to be flying over water and I told her that the first plane would a little bit to Florida but then the next flight was all over water and that this is the only way to get to Jamaica. She said "I don't like to fly over water". This was news to me, she's my little fish who loves water. I told her it would be OK and these planes fly over water all the time without troubles. She was OK with that. Then while on the plane to come home I noticed a tear in her eye, I asked and she again said "I don't like to fly over water". As a father my heart broke, my little girl was afraid and I knew there was no way around this but I encouraged her and told her that daddy was here and I would take care of her and also God was with us so we would be OK. Once we got in the air she was OK.
So this past week we were driving and she says (out of the blue) I wish we didn't have to fly on 2 planes to get to Jamaica(she's thinking the quickest way over the water). I told her that there was a direct flight to Jamaica that we might be able to get on, she seemed happy with this.


I was reminded again this week as I was comforting my little girl as I was reminded in Oct of how God comforts us. As I'm worried about all that needs to be done in our transition and support team raising He tells me not to worry it will be OK. I tell Him "I can't do this" again He says "I'm in charge and I do this all the time. I will take care of all this, trust Me it is not for you to worry about."

Happy Valentines

We had a great Valentines, I spent it staying home from church with Erin and Pickle being sick. Thankfully they weren't sick all day. The snow is all gone and outside of Erin and Lexi both missing a day of school being sick this week(its only Wednesday) has been a great restart to our support team raising. I was on my knees today confessing to God how inadequate I am to do this support team raising and I need Him to carry me. I then got a very encouraging call from a good friend. All this said we have added a few new team members to our support team in the last few weeks and several people asking questions. We also received some news that was a bit disappointing. One of our larger supporters is cutting their support by 15%. I'm thankful this didn't happen while we were on the field in Jamaica where we would not be able to do much to make this up. We are continually thankful for all that God has provided and know that we are truly blessed to be where we are and for him to trust us with all we have.

Snow!

We arrived back to the house about a week ago. We have had a week of stomach flu going through the family, snow for two days, and kids out of school. Not much going on with our support team raising. We enjoyed the great amount of snow we received here in Fort Worth, somewhere between 7-10 inches. Sorry Jodi was sick all day in bed while it snowed but I got to build two snowmen with the children. She was able to get out the next day so we could all have a snowball fight. We are so excited to get back and share with our friends and family how God has grown and stretched us. While only one of our family members has truly showed interest and some close friends we understand the busyness of life gets in the way. "Twang" Reality, or not? While going to visit with some friends this weekend to see their new house, I noticed Jodi being unusually quiet so I asked what was up. She stated how she was so excited for them and their new home but wondered if that would ever be for us as we start this new chapter in our life. As a husband my heart tore, just wanting to provide that for my wife but knowing that as a Christ follower I can't promise those things. We sometimes live in the what could have been but then quickly turn to what God is doing and has done in our lives. We are so excited to see what is in store.

Home?

We arrived here at our house in Ft.Worth on Saturday morning after leaving Colorado on Friday. I am afraid to call it home at this time, I don't really know where home is at this time. Leaving our new friends at MTI was very difficult for all of us. I always opt for the quick getaway without the long goodbyes. We learned during our training that we need to be good at saying Goodbye but we first have to learn to say Hello. Some of the staff at MTI waited for us to leave(we were the last to leave in the group)and then they followed us down drive waving goodbye until we could see them no more. We did this with them as each group left MTI and I also got to hold Lexi as she wept as the first van left with our new friends. I think she is learning what it is to say Goodbye, as her teacher told her "I hope it hurts when you have to say Goodbye". What a great way to say Goodbye! Allison said tonight one of her favorite parts of this week was when we got to run after our friends waving Goodbye.

Pure white snow

We went to bed with a white covering of the ground. What a blessing for a good night sleep. When I woke I looked out at the covering of the fog over the mountains and reminded me how God has covered those things that I see as mountains that we have to overcome and all I can see is Him. Thank you God for the pure white snow you provided for us as a reminder of how pure and solid you are that I can cast my cares and concerns on you.