Before we returned home to Ecuador, we were able to spend one final weekend with all our kids and grandkids at Pismo Beach. One thing we have learned by living so far away, is that when we have family time, we are intentional and fully present. As a family, we simply spent time together, we played, built a campfire, flew some kites and savored every single moment.
People have said to us more than once, "I could never do what you do and leave my kids, family or life." Unintentionally, they are suggesting the decision to choose the life as missionaries is easy. That some how we have detached ourselves or simply have a dead, stone cold heart. They don't mean to imply that, but in reality that is the pink elephant in the conversation.
Goodbyes are the most difficult thing we have to go through. Our hearts are split, truly cut in two. We would love to be near our kids and daily engage in their lives. We love what we do here in Ecuador. We love the ministry, we love the roles we play in the lives of the people here. We get to see God do amazing things on a daily basis. And that is why we are able to do what we do. God. Through His power and provision, through the work of His spirit in us, not of our own accord.
That makes some people nervous. If I choose to follow God will He "make" me leave my family and serve in a distant land. The answer quite frankly is, maybe yes, or maybe no. The point that needs to be understood is "it is worth it." You can trust God with your heart, more importantly with your life. So often, we observe people exercise a control over their lives that they simply do not possess. We have watched our kids grow fiercely independent and even though it's been messy at times, they are figuring out who they are and working out their own salvation. Our daughters are amazing Moms, tears come to my eyes when I reflect on how completely different they are and yet such good Moms. They love their children, more importantly, they love their husbands. We have watched God provide over and over for our kids who are single, and even though as the song says, "Everybody knows it sucks to grow up" they are doing an awesome job of figuring out who they are and what role they need to play within God's plan.
With all that said, we are now home in Ecuador. Here we go...below are some pictures from our final weekend with our family.
 |
| Do you know how hard it is to get twelve people to all smile at once? |
 |
| Anchor, our grandson (Bridget and Steve's boy) was in constant motion the entire time |
 |
| Maemae, our granddaughter (Nicole and Jay's girl) loved the sand |
 |
| Danielle and Mackenna (Bridget and Steve's daughter) loved the water, even though it was freezing |
 |
| So, see the cup in Jay's hand? (Nicole's husband) Well, he had just pranked me. I won't go into details but suffice it to say, I fell hook, line and sinker and all of us laughed 'til it hurt. |
 |
| Nothing like a day at the beach |
 |
| Nicole with "baby Larry" as we affectionately call him. What a beautiful reminder that there is always new life, new beginnings and new seasons. Instead of mourning the close of our time, we look to the future expectantly. |
 |
| A family tradition of ours is to "salute the sunset". God blessed us with a picture perfect sunset. |
