Sacrifice

I am sitting at my kitchen table in my little bush house. With the exception of a small place cleared for the yard, I am surrounded by jungle. Beautiful and peaceful, aside from the occasional screaming bats or distant ship horns.



This morning I am thinking about sacrifice. Not my own, but of those who I know lost a part of themselves when I left. First there is my father, who in spite of the fact he does not share my religious views (and always lets me know he wishes I were closer), has never tried to stop me from pursuing my passion for missions. He has always had a word of encouragement for me and in all my 26 years has never offered anything but love and support.



Then there is my Mother, who also calls me her best friend. No doubt, thoughts of her future grandchildren, baby girl and son-in-law all on the other side of the world are hard for her. Often, it is through tears, yet all she can say is how proud she is that I have decided to follow God with my life. I can only imagine the pain of giving a child to God and am thankful for her support.



I remember my step-dad, Tommy, is the one who kept my car running through college. I laugh now remembering that old Honda Accord that started running hot practically the first day I got it. I remember, many times, wanting to go out with friends or needing funding for a class project and finding money that had not been there before appear in my account. Later, Mom would tell me, after much questioning, they had cut something they needed because Tommy wanted to see me through Bible College. I appreciate his love and sacrifice.



He was 15 when I left, now he has a job, a car, and will turn 17 in a few months. My little (just over six foot) brother Colton. This is where my heart strings draw. He is going through all the normal teenage stuff and his big sister is on the other side of the world helping Ni-Van children. I remember heart to hearts on the trampoline with him, and pray God sends someone to him since He has sent me to this nation.

There are too many to name. My sweet Granny, who is the only one allowed to call me Jenny. All my uncles and aunts who invested so much into my life and then let me go. My father-in-law and mother-in-law, who have been so supportive and without which this transition would have been so much harder. So to all of you I say "thank you for your sacrifice."

One more thought. The scripture says “how can they go except they be sent.” So many times we use this in the financial sense. While it is true that it does take finances to do missions work, the cost of sending reaches far beyond money. I know the hearts of mine and Nathan’s family truly know the cost of missions. Once again, thank you for your sacrifice!

Jennifer

Nate & Jen's House - Exterior

I previously posted pictures of the inside of the house where Nate & Jen are living. Here are a couple shots of the exterior of the house.

Eventually, as they can afford it, the front porch will be screened in and will extend their living area. During the hot summer months, with no air conditioning, it will be a protected outdoor area to catch a breeze, hopefully!




As you can see, the roof is tin. It is also where they get their water! Rainwater is collected in the rain barrel, then pumped up to their holding tank. Then it is gravity-fed into the house. There is no water heater.




The stove and frig both run on propane. They have a small solar panel that runs the pump and also provides a little electricity for their needs.

Trica

A Few Pictures of The House

Here are a few pics of Nate & Jen's house that were up loaded on Facebook.

The kitchen:

Their little bitty frig covered with family pics!!


:
The stove & oven. I love the windows!!




A chair for their table that Nate made using a shipping pallet! And that's their "air conditioner" sitting on the chair.




The table Nate built also using shipping pallets.




Jen has the table looking pretty!




The living room:

This native picture says, "This house is too small!"




The coffee table also built by Nate using leftover building materials.




Family pics on the coffee table to remind them of home. The photo book on the right was their Christmas gift from us. It covers the year of births, birthdays and other celebrations since Nate & Jen left. I made one for Nate of his family before he left and he requested a new one for Christmas! Peyton, Sydney and Kami have been added to the family since they left.




The bedroom:

I believe Jen bought the curtains when then went to Fiji.




The mosquito netting was a wedding gift from Steven & Kara Jaeger, who are also missionaries on the same island. It's not just for looks - they have to have it!




The yet to be screened-in front porch! Nate says he has to frame it in then put the screen up. Here, Nate is visiting with friends who attended the housewarming party given for them by Bryan and Renee' Webb.




Nate with a fellow missionary who came to the party.




Congrats, Nathan & Jennifer, on your new home!!

Trica