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