Wednesday, December 3, 2008

In the rearview mirror

Looking back over the last two months and all the things that have happened, we feel incredibly blessed. We could not have even dreamed that in two months we could experience so much. We are very grateful and honored for so many faithfully following along and praying with us along the way. God really answered prayer.

The thing that seems to stick out to us as we reflect back on our experience is the faithfulness of God. That He will provide for every need wherever he leads. May not be what we want, but it will be sufficient, for He is sufficient. He protected us through sickness, political instability, a night evacuation, mosquito bites, spiders, cockroaches, homesickness, and more. He paved the way by getting visas to us in time without a signed passport, raised the necessary funds through so many generous people, a strange large metal canister mysteriously being waved through customs, the list goes on and on. Jehovah Jireh.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act." Psalm 37:4-5

We went to Africa with a number of questions. The first was looking for reassurance that this truly is the career path that God would have us follow. We were interested to see what life would be like overseas for an extended period of time. To see what we would have to give up to live overseas in remote areas. God really gave us a sense of desire to go long term and also great opportunity to see how missionaries live in a number of different places in east Africa. It allowed us to see how life would look there with a family, schooling, shopping, and having different cultures all around. It is not without challenges, but in our mind very doable. We also had a great sense of fulfillment and excitement about the work being done. We can't think of a more rewarding and exhilarating life to live!

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?" Luke 14:28

The other two questions we had were whether or not God would have us join with MAF long term or if Africa is where we should go. While neither of these questions have received definate yes or no, we were able to get to see so much of MAF, including multiple programs as well as have day visits with two different AIM AIR programs. We have learned a lot and have a few more questions to ask other organizations to see how they compare. We will have a couple years before we are ready to apply to a mission, which gives us some time to continue to research and pray for where we should go in the future. We were very impressed with MAF and AIM AIR and are so grateful for their time and wonderful hospitality. As far as Africa goes, we would love to go back, but don't feel a definate "calling" to that area of the world that would cause us to limit other areas God may send us. We greatly enjoyed the people and culture there.

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him." 1 Cor. 7:17


We have so many great memories of our time in Africa. Not all are good, but necessary. God grew us individually and also as a couple. We were stretched in many ways, but not broken. God was very gracious in dealing with our attitudes, expectations, and frustrations. There was quite a fear in going of not knowing what to expect and whether or not we would be up to what awaited us on the other side of the world. Having now seen and experienced, much of that fear is gone, and we eagerly await where God will lead us in the future.

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup. You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, indeed I have a beautiful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6

If you would like to stay updated on what is going on in our lives, send an email to CalebWinter@gmail.com and ask to get our quarterly newsletter by mail or email if you do not already.

2 comments:

Dennis Garretson said...

Hi Caleb and Emily,
It is great knowing that you guys are home safe and sound. Patti and I will look forward to continuing to pray for you as our Wonderful Lord guides you through the next steps He will design to prepare you for future service. Thanks for being faithful.
Blessings,
Dennis, for Patti, too

Bill and Jan Kilgore said...

Welcome back! You guys have done an awesome job sharing your trip with us. Thanks for using your blog to bring us along. It was almost like being there with you ... just missing the smells of Africa :) Looking forward to hearing more when we get to see you in person.

Blessings,

Bill for the Kilgores