Kids & The Mission Field

Well it certainly has been quite the experience the last 9 days. We left Albuquerque a week from this past Sunday and we definitely feel a bit tired and camp just started yesterday. I will say this, “Traveling internationally with children is NOT for the faint of heart.”

For the first 7 nights the kids were waking constantly. We did use Benadryl a few times but we think some of the waking could have been due to it being so warm. Both kids have a little bit of heat rash but seem to be doing great. They have both finally slept pretty well the past 2 nights and this mama is very thankful for some more sleep. I was seriously contemplating drinking coffee to keep myself awake, something I have never done in my life.

This first week has been a new experience of learning what it means to juggle family and ministry. Because there are not the conveniences of living at home with lots of space, an air conditioner and endless activities for Will to do we have had to be creative. We are so thankful for Sarah coming along with us! Without her help this trip would not be possible.

Both kids have gone to camp with us the first two days. Will is super social and loves saying hi to everyone but I can tell that even he is experiencing some type of culture shock.

Despite being tired and some awkward situations we are excited to be here and glad we brought our children. This just wouldn’t feel right if we weren’t all together. Numerous people have commented, “I cannot believe you have brought your children.” The truth is, we wanted to bring our children, we wanted the people here to know that it was important to us to come back. In a culture that probably wouldn’t dare to take their children across the ocean this has the potential to make a HUGE impact.

Throughout a few situations this week it was brought to mind many times what it really means to “labor” over the Gospel. Labor in itself means work and we were never told it would be easy to spread the Gospel. Therefore, even through hot weather (no a/c), sleepless nights, cranky kids, food that is not “normal”, a language we do not fully comprehend and being miles away from our own home we have JOY deep down inside that we chose to obey God when He confirmed that we should come. We would rather obey and be uncomfortable than disobey and be “content”.

John & Nichole