Our sweet baby girl, Charleigh is four and a half months old. I emphasize the “and a half” because in her short life span – each day of “and a half” is significant. Charleigh started drooling a few weeks ago showing us the early signs of her teething. Shortly after came the tears and the knowledge that she was in pain.
Comforting her and holding her is one of my favorite things to do. I do not want my child to be in pain – but I do want her to have teeth! In the quiet of her room, in a lime green vintage chair, I rocked her and wondered what other good things do we go through that cause us pain?
Today, it clicked. As I read an encouraging email from one of our Kijani Farm Board – it struck me… going to the mission field is good but I can already feel the hurt of good-byes and see you laters. First is will be our dogs – who are going to live with beloved friends. Then its friends and family. Ultimately, standing before our parents – letting them hug our children – their grandchildren, right before we board a plane. Our call to missions hurts them too! The biggest and most challenging moment will be looking at our oldest son and hugging and kissing him good-bye. It hurts.
But in it all… the call to serve in Kenya is good and we are excited to see Kijani Farm begin and starting growing. When ground broke in early 2017, we knew that a foundation had been built but growth would be limited until we actually lived there. The time has come. It is good but some parts hurt.
Like teething, it is good but part of it hurts! We pray God will continue to comfort and hold us (maybe its one of His favorite things to do) and He knows it hurts, but He also knows that this ministry He created called Kijani Farm – is going to and needs to happen.
I Had a Farm in Africa 