Note: this post was written by Jennifer before Christmas. Due to my somewhat hectic schedule and my very poor memory, it was not edited until now. Sorry for the delay!
Trica
The chill is in the air. The aroma of baked goods, burning candles, and pine cones tickle at our noses. This year we can honestly sing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” With only six weeks to go until the arrival of our first born we have more than our share to be thankful for this Christmas season. It is a gift - God’s gift to us - this precious time with family and friends.
Even amongst the hustle and bustle that is the American holiday season, sometimes I close my eyes and feel the humid ocean breeze and hear the distant laughter of the Ni- Vanuatu children. There is really no place to be alone when you live on an island, and in the South Pacific it seems as if the children outnumber the adults by far. My mind is drawn to our students, the names and faces I came to know and love. What are they doing this Christmas?
I remember last year hearing about how one American charity sent shoe boxes full of toys for boys and girls, and the precious locals and missionaries who carried them over the rough terrain of Malakula, through mud and sea to take these gifts to the children of one village. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat as they described how the little faces lit up at the excitement of seeing their first toy (excluding their homemade toys from sticks and banana leaves). I have been in these villages. I remember how content the children were with just the ocean and trees and as I try to imagine them with crayons and dolls, it makes me smile.
I love everything about America but mostly my family and friends. I love being able to actually touch my Mother and feel her arms around me, something I often feared I would never know again while living in Vanuatu. I love the feel of carpet under my toes opposed to concrete floors. I love sinking down into a big bath tub instead of trying to see how much of me can fit into an old plastic wash tub while my husband brings the pans of hot water from the stove for me. I love a home without bugs and rats. If anything, I have learned to appreciate the land of my birth in a way I never knew was possible.
While there are many things I am thankful God is allowing me to experience while home in the U.S., I realize this time is His gift to me. You see, I am called of God. I know what I am meant to do. There is no turning back, no letting up. I promised the Lord my life, not a portion of it, and until He leads otherwise I will continue to give my all to follow, even unto the “ends of the earth.” His still small voice continues to stir my heart and I am still saying, “Yes, Lord. I will give you all.”
Nathan and I are in a period of transition. We are pursuing missions with the full intention of returning to Vanuatu. While Bryan and Renee Webb were gracious enough to allow us to do the work God placed on our hearts, we were missionary assistants, meaning our primary purpose was to “assist” the Webb family in their ministry. We are thankful that while working under the Webb family, they allowed us to cultivate our own specific calling geared towards the spiritual and academic education of children. Our next step, however, is pursuing missions full-time, which is a separate process in itself. We are currently in the process of applying for Nathan’s credentials with the Assemblies of God, one of several requirements before being approved as missionary candidates. We appreciate your prayers and support as we pursue the calling of God on our lives and look forward to sharing more about our passion with some of you as the Lord allows us to visit at your home churches.
Jen
