Monday, September 29, 2008

the culmination


casey and i have been married for five years. for five years, a passion for missions, other cultures and a desire to get involved on a daily basis has pursued our hearts, sometimes with direction, and sometimes with just longing. after several closed doors and much much prayer, God has truly opened up his best for us. we are now officially staff of lahash international, a grassroots organization based out of portland that works with east african partners.

a bit of the story. dan, the director of lahash, went to jbu with us in arkansas (the connection). dan grew up in kenya as a missionary kid, and after college returned "home" and established several relationships on that trip. out of that birthed lahash - partnership with east africans in order to raise awareness for those they serve and provide opportunity for others to get involved. casey knew of opportunities to volunteer with lahash, but it was right before asher was born, and our attentions were focused elsewhere. after several months of parenting, casey pursued the opportunity to volunteer (the timing), which evolved into several conversations about more significant involvement, which leads us to where we are today. as we look at lahash and their mission and desires, and align those with our mission and desires,we see significant similarities, as well as ways for us to help and grow each other. wala!

in the eloquent words of my husband, "It is exciting to see that God is actualizing years of desire and prayer. It is humbling to see the hand of our Father working so intimately and specifically in our family. To see how He fits things together in His time and for His glory. We now get to focus our energy into one direction. It's funny how having your energy 'confined' can be freeing at the same time. We are excited for this new stage and for how God will challenge and mature us and those we get to be in relationship with."

so, thanks. thanks to all who have literally journeyed with us through this process. who have offered widsom and encouragement. who have witnessed our desires and held them dear. who have celebrated with us. we are grateful.

* if you want to hear more of the story, or are interested in future involvement, feel free to email me your address.

7 comments:

Jenny said...

I am so thrilled for you guys Abbe! It just sounds like the perfect fit for your little family and I know He will do great things in your life and in the life of those you touch along the way. I love you so much friend, and I too am very thankful for our phone call the other day:) Jen

Anonymous said...

I was beyond thrilled when I read this yesterday. Best news I heard all day!! I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear more!

Rissa

Court said...

Abbe ~ it was wonderful to read your post tonight. How neat to see how the Lord has opened the doors for your family into this ministry. We will be praying for you. Please add us to your email/newsletter list! Love, Courtney

Joel said...

You Guys, I'm so stoked for you! How awesome is that? VERY AWESOME! I can't wait to chat you guys up (hopefully in one our living rooms full of babies and pee and poop and yelling) and hear even more about it. That is so cool.
joel
P.S. Casey, you don't look like an &%$#*@! so don't even think about cutting your hair! :-D

Jennifer A. said...

That's fantastic. Congratulations.

Clay and Megan said...

Just found your blog Abbe and read about this cool thing God is doing in your lives. I am excited for you guys! Love, Megan (Pasche) Sandoz

mandy said...

abbe, i just stopped by your blog and i am soooo happy to hear about this culmination. please pass along more information about it all.@