First World Problems

The issues we're currently facing reflect how incredibly blessed, pampered, and even gluttonous  we really are. First, we have an overwhelming abundance of great friends and family. It's been challenging to give quality, intimate time to so many friends and so much family. With all the first steps, weddings, births and perhaps even funerals that may take place in our absence, it's easy to feel a bit down or even mournful when we consider all that we'll miss in this coming year. We've not even boarded the plane and we're already excited to get back and catch up on all that will happen.

Next is the attack of Americanism... we have a lot of stuff... too much stuff. I, Travis, love gadgets and other things that I'll likely never again use in this lifetime. There, I said it. We have a 10 x 10 storage unit that is meticulously packed floor to ceiling with all the things we won't be bringing. The things that "are going" may have gotten a bit out of control. I'm guessing that not every family packs a pressure cuff and stethoscope, though both are useful. If I were a betting man, I may also wager that most families aren't taking an 80 foot slackline (picture tightrope walking) or a honing stone for sharpening machetes, but we are! We thoughtfully considered leaving our laptop (especially when we thought it was dead) because there's something that both of us find really appealing about living more primitively. That nanosecond has passed, however, and as soon as I finish this post I'll likely give my laptop a hug and whisper sweet nothings into its microphone.

Last, we need to organize our finances so that everything is getting paid on time when we're gone. Many people have asked if we need help raising support for all of this, and we don't. All of it is covered so far. For those who have offered, we're asking them to find a missionary that they can follow and support prayerfully and financially. You will be blessed by the connection and so will they. The Lord has provided for us far beyond what either of us could ever deserve and we want to use it responsibly while furthering His kingdom. If long term, overseas ministry is in our future, then I'm sure God will provide diligent supporters at that time, and thank you to all who have asked and offered.

It should now be clear that the issues we face are first world problems. If you ever lament about having a slow internet connection or that you had to eat leftovers two nights in a row, You Are Blessed. Be thankful.

Preparing to leave

Getting ready to leave for Cacalotepec, Oaxaca, Mexico to learn Spanish! We board the plane and fly into our new life in less than two weeks. It’s a bittersweet time as we put our life into boxes, say good-bye to loved ones, and look ahead to where God is leading us. We've sold our cars and received typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations. Travis passed his state boards for massage and Bri had her last night at work. 

We don’t know much about where we will live except it’s inexpensive, less than a mile from a beach, within walking distance to school, and has an outhouse and shower in the yard. We’re looking forward to a more simple life. A life of washing our laundry by hand, walking or biking to get around town, and, we’re assuming, eating lots of beans and rice. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity and blessed that God has provided so abundantly for us.