You’ll be back…
Have you ever had a dream planted deep inside your heart you hoped and really believed would come to pass but had no idea how, where, or when? Something you wanted so much that you might have even tried to force or manipulate it to happen over time thinking this has to be it, right? But, it then flopped or failed because you were missing the most important component all along.
A little over 8 years ago, my wife and I began the journey home from a 2 year experience living and working in East Africa. Rwanda specifically. The beautiful Rwandan Nyungwe rainforest even more specifically. I remember loading all of what little belongings we had, throwing them into the back of an old beat up pickup truck, and starting the journey up the muddy, pot-hole filled mountain, back to the capital. Our neighbors and dear friends ran alongside the truck and we sat there silent, waving and sobbing. That was one of the most difficult drives we’ve ever experienced. We had poured our hearts, souls, and lives into this beautiful, once foreign place, turned home. Strangers turned dear friends and family. But as we drove away processing all the emotions and feelings, there seemed to be a still small voice that whispered to our hearts, “You’ll be back. At the right time, you’ll be back”.
Since returning home, we’ve added 3 amazing kids to the family, moved multiple times, and life has continued to move right along. But, we’ve often wondered over the years, when will we be back? When is the right time?
In all honesty, a few years back, I guess I got tired of waiting for the “right time” and attempted to force our way back abroad and did so from an unhealthy place. Thankfully my lovely bride was hearing more clearly the voice of God. I’m sure she’d be happy to share more with you about those times of lively and fun discussions. But seriously, when? I’m ready to go God! Here we are! Send us! Well, as it’s often said, timing is everything. More specifically, God’s timing is everything.
A little backstory - our church partners with several organizations around the world but I’ve become particularly inspired and impressed by one - Alongsiders International. A youth discipleship movement, based out of Cambodia, equipping one generation to walk alongside the next around the globe. And back in December, we were offered an exciting opportunity to be a part of helping spread this movement across the amazing continent of Africa into 35 countries. We prayed, fasted, talked, cried, and God said, YES, GO! And I was reminded of that still, small voice that said, “You’ll be back. At the right time, you’ll be back”.
So, with all the feels one can experience, we journey on towards this new adventure back to East Africa, with a heart of obedience, humility, and excitement. You may ask, as we have ourselves, does it really make sense to move your family across the globe in the middle of a world-wide pandemic? Is that wise? Nope! Absolutely not! But, thankfully, God chose the foolish things of the world (us) to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27). Also, he didn’t ask us to make sense of things. He asked us to be obedient to what he placed on our hearts. So, here we go!
We are excited for what is ahead but sad to leave the community, friends, family, and church that we love so much. So we ask you to join us in this journey. Consider joining our financial partnership team. Follow along with our blogs and video updates. Pray with us and for us. For our family as we navigate all the new dynamics of raising a family abroad. For our children to thrive in the new culture and environment. For us to find community and create a new home we can find peace and rest in. For the marginalized and vulnerable children of Africa to know the transformational love of Christ. And most importantly, for the name of Jesus to be made famous in all nations to all peoples!
And lastly, if you’ve ever had a dream down deep inside that’s been sitting dormant for some time, don’t give up on it. Sounds super cheesy and uber cliche, I know. It is. But seriously, don’t put a period where God simply put a comma. Sometimes what may feel like a “no” is simply a “not yet”. Stay true to what God has placed in your heart. Don’t force it or manipulate it and at the right time, I believe if it’s from God, it will come to pass.
We love you all!
- The Rings
“Fill your life with adventure not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”
