Why Ecuador? Why so long? Why now? Are you nuts?

These are all questions that come up, so let me try to explain. In an earlier post, I talked about my trip to Mexico. When you experience something so powerful that it changes you, I think that warrants more investigation. Then Michelle went to Peru.

Putting the love of my life and mother of my children on a plane to a far off land was perhaps the most difficult thing I have ever done. I did my best not to cause her distress, but I was physically ill and in much pain deep inside. The kids weren't as good at hiding their feelings and it was a horrible car ride home. No matter how I tried explain things to Ellie that night, she cried the same response: "I know, but I want her!" I felt the same.

As a little treat for Mama, we decided to paint our bedroom. It needed it badly and we needed a distraction. Late one night after the kids were in bed, I was rolling some primer and whining to God about keeping my wife safe. Then He spoke to me. Not audibly, but very tangibly all the same. I can't really explain it except to say that I knew it was Him and that she was right where He wanted her. David Crowder said it like this in Here is Our King - "And what was said to the rose to make it unfold was said to me here in my chest, so be quiet now and rest." Yeah, that was it. Something so certain and reassuring, spoken so deep inside of me that it could only be from God. I had complete peace about her trip from that point forward.

Michelle and I were both captivated by our trips and it was amazing how similar our experiences were. Almost immediately we started talking about taking the kids somewhere to serve someday. Before long we were talking about spending a year abroad. It didn't really make sense, but we were both drawn to the idea. As we prayed and kicked the notion around, it became obvious that a shorter-term trip was in order. As soon as we settled on devoting our summer, the details just started falling into place.

Our friends at ChildReach said they needed someone in Quito for the summer (at least), so we started putting plans together. Doors started opening. Every obstacle that could have prevented us from going just crumbled in front of our eyes. When God's hand is so evident to us in the planing and preparation, how could we not go?