a layne post
When I was a little girl, I was in gymnastics. I remember doing the event called the vault. You run as fast as you can, bounce off a springboard, and do some sort of “trick” over the vault. Well sometimes it did not go as planned. I distinctly remember a few times running as hard as I could, not bouncing off the springboard; instead running right over it and directly into the vault, knocking the breath clear out of me. My family could attest to these moments of agony.
This is a little like how I feel this week. All the anticipation, the gearing up, the good-byes… I was (and don’t get me wrong, still am) ready to give it all; to make a difference, now only to wind up stuck without a vehicle, waiting in a lodge we did not plan to pay for, unable to get in touch with the people who have our car.
You know, with all my missions experience, I know it is not glamorous. I know that is not all “people getting saved and sharing the gospel”. I know there is a lot of behind the scenes work and complications. I don’t know… maybe I just didn’t expect it to be hard the first day.
Our current home (for the week)
Here is the update:
Upon arrival, our friends who were caring for the car had had a sudden death in the family and had to leave town. We would not have our car for a day or two, until they got back in town. When they got back in town, a little later than originally expected, there had been a break in. Someone had gotten under the hood of our vehicle, taken our radiator, cylinder head, and other things. Because it was reported quickly, the thieves were caught. They were taken to the police and beaten until a confession was made. (how it works here) The parts were recovered, but now the vehicle is having to be put back together. So we wait.
Plan once we get the vehicle:
We will travel to visit some friends about an hour from here. Fellowship and be encouraged. This next weekend we plan to make the drive to Mozambique and start living there until further notice of Angolan visas, of which there is nothing to report.
We appreciate your prayers. Your comments on the last post were fabulous. We love them! Thanks so much for sharing with us, for being a part of this with us. We love you.
Short fun story:
In a taxi on our way back to the lodge the other day, we were sharing with the driver where were we from and what we are doing. (I always love to share with them that Jon and I met in their country!) The man was enjoying the story and proceeded to ask if we could drive to our country. Jon explained it is very far and there is a big ocean between. “Ahh,” the man said, “so a bus would get stuck.” Jon replied, “It would sink!”
I love Africa. I love the boisterous laughs of the women. I love the friendly smiles and the constant greetings. I am happy to be here.
A bit of "holiday" for myself
Just praying for you… trusting in God, His provision and protectection for you. With Love, Sheryl J.
Psalm 34 …so many promises for you there!
protectection… that’s extra protection!
Just think though, if all went well you wouldn’t be able to enjoy that lovely room with those HOT curtains! :) I mean really……..that is worth it in and of itself right? I betcha you might be missing that Christmas tree in the bathroom right about now? :) (I think had I stayed there a week I would have done some re-arranging……like centering the bed under the window maybe? :))
Seriously…….rollin with the punches is just part of it and you’re doing it well
And those cups are perfect…..made me smile!
I breaking down right now thinking about you and that ‘Kip’. You could do everything but that rotten ‘Kip’ which was one thing you had to do in order to score high. The night I took you to the gym and asked you if really believed the scripture. I said “Layne, Mark 11:24 says ‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” We prayed and you went in. I will nevr forget when you came out when we picked you up and you said “I go my Kip!” My prayer for you is that you will never forget this scripture and walk in total faith that “It is yours” because you asked. I love you Layne xxooxoox. Daddy~
Hi Jon and Layne
I personally think you should look at investing in the flower bedspread and curtains – they just shout Happiness!! (They shout other things too, but I’m being positive here!) Sorry to hear about all your transportation problems. I remember when we had cbs stolen in Mexico years ago and the burglars were caught and confessions were extracted. In order to avoid Kevin having to come back and testify for the trial, they listed him as a deaf mute, making him an unuseable witness!
Kids have their last competition today for band. They finished in the top 10 at semi-finals last week and will compete again today at State to see how they complete the season.
Blessings,
Lynne
I’m so glad they found your truck parts. I’m sure that God has a purpose for the delays. I can’t wait to hear what it is. I’m sure that you will be able to bless people and hopefully learn important information while you wait for your visas.
God bless,
Kristin
PS. Dave and Pete are working together out at Teen Challenge today.
Ahhh the times of gymnastics! Yup remember that day clearly that you ran smack into and flipped over the vault. Saddness! But you are a trooper! You got back up and ran hard again. You are a fighter and you persevere! So stay strong my vaulter! God’s got good and perfect things in store for ya’ll!
Maybe if I could get you some runts or something to keep your focus?? hehe ;) I remember those times well too! Bribin’ the chubby sis with runts to get her tooshie up and over in a backbend kickover. Ooh!! So fun :)
I too can’t wait to see what God is doing! I love you much!
Your talented runt eating sister,
Tara :)
Thanks to all of you guys for commenting to my babiest sister and crazy brother in law. I know it makes them feel remembered and loved to hear from you all! Love you Buck!!
Oh, my sweet Layne, I didn’t expect it to be so hard the first days either…. You are handling it all well :) Ya’ll are so loved, so prayed for and we all wait in expectation of what God’s timing is about and then maybe we’ll never know why but we’ll praise Him anyway! Amen!
Hehe! I like all the comments about your brightly colored and cheery room. It does rather glow, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’m praying for you guys!
Oh MY! Life is full of surprises — and not all of them are appreciated — boooo! (Sort of like finding an olive instead of a pecan in the center of your chocolate truffle — eeeewww.)
Hopefully things can mostly just go up from here. Meanwhile, you guys just keep on keeping on — upheld by God’s Grace, and by the love and prayers of friends and family who love you and believe in you.
Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In most cases the decor wouldn’t work. However, the area rug ties it all together.
We are praying for you guys and standing with you!
I love your story – floating buses now that is a novel idea. And what does Paul Johnston know about decor? He is a farm boy.
oh well enough of the fun, i have a thought for both of you from one of my favorite little books – Barbarian Way:
“The civilized build shelters and invite God to stay with them; barbarians move with God wherever He chooses to go. The civilized Christian has a routine; the barbarian disciple has a mission …. For the civilized disciple, religion provides stability and certainity; for the barbarian , a life in God is one of risk and mystery.”
So lets raise our glasses and toast to the life of risk and mystery, the abundant life of Christ that brings unspeakable joy and adventure; Jon and Layne enjoy the moments of life, do not get stuck in the mud of little things. Enjoy the laughter and smiles and the craziness.
All the punches make us stronger. I handed out the lipgloss orders today at work and attached a copy of your picture and pray requests. There are Christians praying for you all here too!
Love y’all!
Leigh
We are praying for you guys and excited to see how God will open up doors for you.