Wow… what can I say, it’s been busy, but a good kind of busy, the relational kind! The best there is, if you ask me. For the first time in about a month I’m not overwhelmed with much, the stress is somewhat low, life is good – we’re still trying to fund raise the last bit, I’m hoping to buy the last two tickets before we go on Wednesday.
Peace be with you.
Check out the main Reach Polska blog, we’re searching hard for our last two tickets, for our October trip!
This Saturday Alexis and I (and I think some friends) will be at the Portland Polish Festival, this will be our first time there. I’ve heard about every year and every year something has always trumped it, but this year, it’s a go! Woot! Can’t wait! Then the following Saturday we’ll be flying out to Kraków!
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about our trip, and both Alexis and I are very excited, to see our friends, see what God has in store for us and them, and most of all to be in our second home.
We’re still in need of fund raising close to $3,000 (at last official count), so be praying for that.
I know we’ve all had those times in ministry, leadership, family, with friends, etc, that we just want to run away from. You know, the relational crap that makes you sick to your stomach? While I don’t have any relationships that are in dire straights, I do have some crucial conversations on my horizon.
What is messing with me the most is that I’m sure I communicated some things one way, very specifically to prevent the mess that has happened, but what the people in question heard was exactly the opposite of what I wanted to communicate. I even clarified the conversations… So this seems like a case of remembering what you want to hear… or something.
So I sit here, unable to sleep, because relationships are the most important things in life, and while no one hates me, I can see where relationship growth has been hindered. It grieves me, and all I want to do is drive far, far, away, not because it would help anything, but maybe my mind would be put at ease… maybe.
I’m feeling behind in so many areas, but then when I take a look, it’s not all that bad, but still being a little behind in a lot areas doesn’t feel good. I wish I could just take two days off of work to catch up on everything. Alas, that won’t be happening. So I do what I can, prioritize and set my sight on heaven – otherwise my humanity gets to me.
This past weekend Alexis and I were on a retreat for the leadership of our young adults group that we lead. It was a wonderfully refreshing weekend, and I am very much at peace about what God is doing in our lives, and the lives of our core leaders. I would write a lot more, but I’m so ready for bed.
God willing, two years from now we’ll be on our way out of the United States and on our way to Poland, permanently. September 2010, is the month we’re looking at for moving to Kraków. There’s just one last item to be passed through our Church council for us to begin perma-fundraising, and for us to start putting away into our departure fund. I certainly feel (as does Alexis too) split on this, one part of us is very excited, and our spirits rejoice that what God is calling us to do is becoming reality, the other part of us is slowly grieving, our friends, our small group, our church family, all of it, to be less in touch, and so far removed.
Then there’s the reality of reering children in a foreign place, schools, friends, church, etc… our church family here is amazing in these areas, and we’re going some place where it’s very minimal, if at all. In the end though, with each trip, it is harder and harder to leave, Kraków feels more and more to be the right place.
Don’t forget to check our our main ministry/family blog at www.reachpolska.info where you’ll find updates on our trips, can see photos of previous trips, and read all about our vision for the future.
Also, Alexis’ has been updating her blog a bit more these days as well, check it out.
