Kristi Knifong and I sharing a cup of tea inthe yellow house on the creek in Washougal
She and her husband are contemplating taking a huge step and life change for their family. They are considering moving to Zambia...their purpose: to live and love the people around them; living out what one Christian family life is like (in a culture that has very few ideas of what that looks like); as well as, ministering to Pastors and Missionaries in the area. They have traveled to Zambia to count the cost...to see and experience the vision they are contemplating and to get a sense of what they are about to get themselves into. (Please check out her Blog if want to see what they are doing .) http://www.kristiknifong.blogspot.com/
My prayers are with them... if you have an inclination, please keep them in your prayers as well.
My prayers are with them... if you have an inclination, please keep them in your prayers as well.
Can you imagine leaving your home, your comfort, your family and choosing to live in a foreign land to live and love for Christ? It is a vision that very few in our culture contemplate. The large insects alone are almost enough for me to run the other way! (That is kind of a joke???)
Seriously, having lived in foreign lands myself, I know what it feels like to be away from home... in a culture not my own... living life out of my comfort zone. It is exhilarating at times and perhaps lonely as well. It is always sobering as an American. It is easier than we think it could be. Yet, I have truly not left behind my belongings and my comfort. I have always had lots of comfort around me.
Well, I say all this, because when you have a friend who is going through a life altering experience, it causes one to reflect on our own life and walk, and purpose. It is only natural... we are always looking to perfect are we not??? (Perhaps some more than others)
The past few weeks have been very good for our family. How can it be good when one member of your family is in pain and having surgery and very very needy? Sleep, did I mention that has been a bit limited?? It has been good none the less. God has provided strength, hope and comfort to us in our time of need and He has been faithful... to see that all of our needs have been met.
As a wife and mother, my life is about meeting the needs of those under my care. I rarely have the time to think about ME. Ok, we live in a, ME, culture. As I contemplate the cost of letting go of, ME... and the comfort of being filled with the will of Christ... poured out...it is an amazing thing. I can hardly put into words the desire I have to go and do great and amazing things for Christ!
For now, in this season in my life, I am called to be Mother... In a comfortable suburb in rural America. I do laundry, cook healthy rich meals for sometimes clueless children who have only head knowledge and no true empathy that there are others starving in other parts of the world... I sweep up the messes, I still wipe an occasional bottom... I disciple and teach my children in the ways of right and wrong. I love and hug and listen and work hard... I love others outside my family, I work to seek out and pray for those I interact with... I desire to put into practice what I preach...I fail often. Every day I lay in my bed exhausted... and, I find it hard to sleep... because, (my husband is snoring) :) and my mind is working and praying. I get up and do it all over again. No thanks... No appreciation... it is expected. Yet, it is the most satisfying place I can find myself. And so life goes on...
I think the idea of "comfort" bothers me. We are so comfortable that we don't see the needs around us. When we are uncomfortable, the needs around us are more evident. Do you think that is the purpose of the story of the Camel and the Eye of the Needle in the Bible?
Living in light of eternity is a foreign concept for those who are living to enjoy today. I want to focus my heart on an eternal treasure...
Yes, I think that Motherhood is a Mission and a Ministry... I am confident it is my calling today. I encourage all of you hard working mothers to be glad and find joy in your calling. God wants us all to be content with the comfort of today AND be willing to be content, someday to leave it all...or even have it taken away... in His time and His way. This is the secret to Joy. It is not in things or people but found in Christ.
I am so encouraged and blessed by the Knifong family. They are reaching beyond their comfort and actively placing their faith in Christ. I am confident God will guide and direct them as they make this awesome decision... one way or another, I truly believe... being gladly willing and ready to jump and follow God's Will... is the most important part of their journey.
For now, in this season in my life, I am called to be Mother... In a comfortable suburb in rural America. I do laundry, cook healthy rich meals for sometimes clueless children who have only head knowledge and no true empathy that there are others starving in other parts of the world... I sweep up the messes, I still wipe an occasional bottom... I disciple and teach my children in the ways of right and wrong. I love and hug and listen and work hard... I love others outside my family, I work to seek out and pray for those I interact with... I desire to put into practice what I preach...I fail often. Every day I lay in my bed exhausted... and, I find it hard to sleep... because, (my husband is snoring) :) and my mind is working and praying. I get up and do it all over again. No thanks... No appreciation... it is expected. Yet, it is the most satisfying place I can find myself. And so life goes on...
I think the idea of "comfort" bothers me. We are so comfortable that we don't see the needs around us. When we are uncomfortable, the needs around us are more evident. Do you think that is the purpose of the story of the Camel and the Eye of the Needle in the Bible?
Living in light of eternity is a foreign concept for those who are living to enjoy today. I want to focus my heart on an eternal treasure...
Yes, I think that Motherhood is a Mission and a Ministry... I am confident it is my calling today. I encourage all of you hard working mothers to be glad and find joy in your calling. God wants us all to be content with the comfort of today AND be willing to be content, someday to leave it all...or even have it taken away... in His time and His way. This is the secret to Joy. It is not in things or people but found in Christ.
I am so encouraged and blessed by the Knifong family. They are reaching beyond their comfort and actively placing their faith in Christ. I am confident God will guide and direct them as they make this awesome decision... one way or another, I truly believe... being gladly willing and ready to jump and follow God's Will... is the most important part of their journey.
1 comment:
Thank you Dyana for your words about our journey. It is very humbling to hear it affect other people too. We have to remember that our obedience or disobedience affects others too.
Did you see the photo Jason in Nairobi at the Java cafe? I took that just for Andy.
I'm glad to hear that Fenelon is ministering to your soul.
Thank you for following our journey and for your faithful prayers. We will have to chat soon! I struggling with jet lag still! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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