It's probably a little difficult to comprehend -- that we're really doing this. We're truly in the process of moving to Swaziland, Africa. There are a million little details in the works, and a million more that we'll need to do before we leave. But, we're doing this!
This last weekend was spent doing some things while the kiddies were away, things that take time and aren't always able to be done when they're home. Children can be busy. :) We also spent some time at Target Field (the Minnesota Twins' new outdoor baseball venue), and I was able to see what has been occupying most of my husband's time the last couple of years.
For those of you who aren't aware, Stephen is senior project manager for LeJeune Steel Company, and they've done lots of big jobs, including all of the structural steel on the new ballpark. It really has been a childhood dream come true for him, as he's always wanted to be involved in building a stadium. And, to build for the Twins, his 'first love' since childhood -- well, that has completely been a God thing. And so, for me to be in the ballpark that he's been able to help erect, seeing all of the things I've been hearing about over the course of time -- the cantilevered "Metropolitan Club", the wind vales, the pedestrian bridge, etc -- it was all just amazing. He gets to have a hand in building really cool things.
Stephen loves his job -- day in and day out. There are always new and exciting projects on the horizon, and he's challenged. We love where we are in life -- we love Farmington, our neighborhood, our house, and all of the little projects we've done to make it 'ours'. We've delved in a little landscaping, and the perennials are just beginning to break through after a long Minnesota winter. In fact, I just noticed the tips of this season's daylilies peeking through the ground, and honestly, my heart was a little heavy for a moment. I caught myself asking, "Really, God... us? Seriously?" We're happy where we are -- we're comfy! We love our family and friends being close in proximity, and we love River Valley Church. It's a great place. We serve in the children's ministry and are involved in a few lifegroups. We're plugged in, and again -- we're comfy!
And the kiddies -- well, they're comfy too. They love their neighborhood, their friends, baseball and dance, RVC, and everything else in which they're immersed. Avery loves 1st grade, Iliea loves preschool, and Ellie loves 'mommy school' (what she calls running errands and special one-on-one time). As 7, 5, and 3 year olds, they couldn't be happier... or comfier.
Yet, THIS is why that 'Operation Swaziland' isn't about us -- it's all about Him. Looking back, our lives have been an incredible progression, from living for just us in earlier years, to where we are now. We're chasing after God with wild abandon, and we want His will for our lives. We have no doubt that Africa is where we are being called, and truly -- it's not our decision. We need to be obedient and trust, and that is our plan: His plan. We're ready to be moved out of 'comfy', ready to be stretched, ready to "go into all the world" (Mark 15:16). Target Field is cool, but we will continue to build a much cooler thing -- the Kingdom of God.
I think this sums it up -- where we are:
"If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it." -Henry Blackaby
So, we have our directive, and we're simply going to obey. It's good stuff. :)