Change is Hard, Pt 2

...or, Why do we do this?

Our kids are amazing. I'll just throw that out there first. We've dragged them halfway around the world and back. We've tossed them into a new public school (from which we plan to wrest them back and move to the North Pole -- I mean, Chicago, for the winter). We've driven them over 3,000 miles (and that's just been this summer!); and after a year, all the friendships they've grown will have to lay dormant while they move back to a home that's moved on without them for a year. Through all of this, they have woken up with smiles on their faces and eager steps to get to school and see their new friends.

I'm not sure I have that kind of emotional stamina. 

Why would we do this? 

Our time back in the US isn't necessarily restful; we're not here to take a "vacation," though our time here so far has been fun and restful along with being busy. 

Liana enjoying
her birthday presents

At the same time, we're not here to work and "make a living" doing whatever jobs we can find for a year.

The purpose behind all of this, the reason that we emigrate repeatedly between two different homes, is because we want you to be more than simply a name and an email address in our database.

Paul calls the Philippian church his "partners" in ministry, and that's what we long for with all of you! To be a partner, there must be a sharing that happens; and for sharing to happen, we have to be present and available.

Friends, that's why we're back here! We want to re-invest in you as you have so generously invested in us. Every time we remember you, we smile, knowing that you're praying for us, that you're supporting us financially, and that you're a part of what we're doing in the Philippines.

Oh yeah, I said I would tell you more about what we've done this summer, too...


Our summer began with a horrendous flight from Manila to Dallas (ask us about that some other time!); and I flew up to Chicago for TeachBeyond's New Candidate Orientation that same day. Seeing over 40 individuals and families preparing to serve overseas was incredible, to say the least.

Some of our best friends!

Claire, soon after, had her own week-long getaway, to a women's conference in Colorado. She relaxed, was refreshed, and even met up with friends from the Philippines!

The hit of the summer, though, the pièce-de-résistance, was Pine Cove summer camp. We went three years ago for the first time, and our kids have been looking forward to it again for just about the last three years! The camp is designed with families in mind, and they have wonderful programs for everyone from toddlers to parents. Horses, boats, a pool, a mud pit, date nights, sunset cruises on the lake, and more; Pine Cove is an amazing experience. Micah asked on the last day of camp if she could be baptized, and I'll admit, my eyes were wet as I agreed to baptize her.

There aren't words for this; my heart is full!

We've now settled down somewhat into the routine of school for all three kids (yessssss), and hopefully we'll be able to get together with many of you now. We truly do love all of you, and are excited to be a part of your lives as you've been a part of ours.


-Carl, for the family