for me, a break from the routine of the same chores and the same three meals, at the same house, down the same lane - day in and day out. also, a chance to ease the strangling stretch that i've known this year which has left me taut and largely void of tenderness and joy. for JR, it was a chance to be away from the reality of the termination of a job he was (is) deeply passionate about.
so, when we saw a notice in our church newsletter that accommodation was required for a visiting missionary family of 6 for 9 weeks, we immediately looked at each other and knew.
this was it - His provision and our opportunity.
and so, here we are staying in my SIL's shed on an avocado orchard at
the top of New Zealand with the most amazing opportunity to step back
and review our life, family, marriage and future from a more objective
perspective.
even i didn't realise how desperately we all needed this.
we are regrouping, nurturing, and tightening up. reminding ourselves that our family is more than just the sum of 3-square-meals, clean laundry and bedtime stories.
we are breathing in deeply this slower pace and this stunning location.
we are reshuffling priorities, culling out the unnecessary and making new, exciting plans for our future.
and, it feels so good to be a little more centred and grounded again.
thank you for sharing this journey with us, xo
Your post gave me goosebumps Dee and kind of in a similar place to where we are now. It's a wonderful thing you are doing and a memory the kids will always have.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the best way to see your life is to step away from it a bit. We feel we are at a crossroads with hubby's business right now. It seems to be taking over life and we know something has to change. You know you are making the right decision though when you feel calmer in yourselves and start looking forward to what the future brings. Thanks for sharing Dee xo
So know the feeling, and we would love you to carry on the journey but with us at the other end of NZ, I know it will a be a full on winter experience but so want more of you guys in our lives. There'd still be plenty of adventures and cousins xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the termination of JRs job, just like God provided this opportunity to regroup I know he'll look after you when the 9 weeks is up.
ReplyDeleteHopefully all your growth, lessons and bonding throughout the family will continue on for much longer
Blessings Dee xxx
Oh wow - big changes, and sounds like the perfect thing for you all to get away, regroup and refocus. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo much of this post resonates with me darl. We had a similar life-altering get away this time last year when we moved 13 hours north thinking we'd set down roots there but lasted 11 weeks as God had other plans. His plans are the best, and we know this when we are open to Him and trust Him. I see you do the same and are so inspiring. Blessings, Fi
ReplyDeletebrave
ReplyDeletewise
AND
hot.
:P
oh I know that feeling. we've hit a definite crossroads here but feels like the only way we can travel is sideways, when we so desperately want to go forwards. Sorry to hear about JR's job but really glad to hear that the break has been good for you guys. xx
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear where you're at and so pleased this time away has been so good for you all - clearing your heads, refocusing your hearts. I am excited for the future He has planned for you all xx
ReplyDeletehey my friend
ReplyDeletebig heart hugs from me to you - and a cup of tea in a pretty cup. you are such a wonderful family - fix your eyes my love, on Him who is able to keep you, guide and protect you.
much love
Bxx
How wonderful to give up the comfort of your home to a missionary family!! Even at a time when you are stretched--that's beautiful generosity! So glad your family is getting to spend this time growing closer than ever before and I'm praying for you all! What a GORGEOUS place to be!
ReplyDeleteDee, I am so glad of this for you. I love to see the way God is sovereign - I have seen it so much and it is wonderfully reassuring and amazing. Thank you for letting us glimpse the way that you and yours, too, are under His wings.
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful. A beautiful season in a beautiful place. We have holidayed in Houhora and it definitely is a special place. The best has yet to come!
ReplyDeleteI am very, very happy for you. I hear your reasons for 'fleeing' - the truth of the monotony of the three-meals-a-day mama existence - and I am joyful that you re-centred yourselves as a family. Life is thrilling.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Dee, hear you loud and clear. (Even from all the way down here. :) You guys are a beacon and SO inspiring. Your humility, bravery, grace. Like Joyeful said, the very fact that you are giving up your home to a missionary family and were continuing on at Church with no hard feelings spoke volumes about your character. So glad you have this space to think and dream and pray. I know that whatever happens and where ever you go that God will use you. Love to you beautiful family and thanks for continuing to blog. Not sure how I would have coped 9 whole weeks without it.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you breath life into 'stuff' Dee. The way you tenderly and honestly share the journey. Your openness - still and real without overt emotion is stunningly beautiful and your readers are richer for it. x
ReplyDeleteoh this is so very good Dee. So good. You may have read that Daniel and I took a leap of faith when I was newly pregnant with Poet. He wanted to change careers, he was determined. Right now he's working his way into the film industry but for the past year he has researched, connect with and talked to people in the industry. He has also spent SO much time with us and last night he declared it the best year of his life so far. I hope you follow your new path and discover an enriching experience x
ReplyDeleteso beautifully written, as always. every couple, every family, truly does NEED that time to refresh, rejuvenate, and relax - & for your sweet family, it couldn't have come at a more perfect time... total divine providence! it completely warms my heart to see (and hear) how wonderful this experience has been for you all :)
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