"it's only three months"

"It's only three months, Grant". Those were the words out of Roberto's mouth this morning. I'm not sure who he was trying to convince that it would be ok, because I wasn't there, but its honestly such a blessing to have good-byes hurt a little. If we were leaving without a backward glance, it would probably mean we weren't settled and invested here.

We're praising God that we've had good good-byes - with our church family here, with our friends, with Roberto. And so we're ready to return - ready to make Princeville home again for three months and ready for a rest from the pressures and struggles that are unique to the mission field. We realize that living in the U.S., with Grant working full-time again, will take its own toll and adding a new member to our family will be an enormous change. For those reasons, I also have some apprehension as I sit here looking at packed bags. "Re-entry" is a big deal, more emotionally than anything, and even though "it's only three months", it's still a transition. All of that said, we are so grateful for the opportunity to be present for everything that's going on this summer, and know that God has been so faithful in leading us to this point.

Please remember Roberto in your prayers. We've established a plan for him, and have put some accountability in place in hopes that he will demonstrate responsibility in attending school and completing homework on his own. Pray that he would make good decisions and that God would work mightily in his heart and life - and in his mom. "It's only three months" - but so much can change in that amount of time. Pray that the changes would be good.

We fly into Chicago this evening, and look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks. We will post on the blog this summer, but probably not very regularly, since the purpose is really to let you know what's going on here.

II Timothy 4 has been a special chapter to us as we prepare to go; I'll leave you with the last verse:
"The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."