With eight hours left until we leave for the airport, we are emotional. I think in the last ten minutes I personally have experienced excitement, nervousness and sadness all present at the same time, but at varying degrees. I keep telling myself its just another country; people travel to new places all the time.
There’s something different about this, of course. We are leaving our friends and our families behind. We are leaving the comforts of our home country to enter into a new world so different than our own. I wish I could express to you the feeling, but words simply can’t describe it.
I think besides our own individual families, we will miss our church family the most. They as a congregation have been behind us every step of the way. Ever since we first mentioned going into missions five years ago they have prayerfully, financially and emotionally bonded together with us to see this day come. Not only this, but they are committed to walking with us every step of the way as well.
Today, our last church service coincided with an outreach event where our church, Grace Point, and our sister church, Ogden, combined worship services at Adrian College’s football stadium. It was very special for us since both churches have really taken ownership of us, while Grace Point is our home and sending church.
So many thank you’s and goodbyes are in order; too many to name. We are sad to see this chapter in our lives end, but excited for the next chapter to begin.
Through the last weeks since we made our decision to go with less than 100% support we have seen the Lord continue to confirm this to be the right decision. From encouraging phone calls from brothers and sisters in Christ, unique needs being met just in the nick of time and a steady increase in our support, we are praising the Lord for His faithfulness and provision. Wow. We are beside ourselves with joy and praise to our Father. We so desperately want others to know Him!
Thank you for your love and your encouragement.
Daniel Carlton (Dad) says
Your journey has began, chin up,eye upward,and knees bent in prayer daily.
God is at you side each step of the way.
Love
Dad
John Trimble says
Tom & Beth,
We are excited for your going, sad at your leaving and praying for your safety all at the same time! Although we have only known you for a short time, it feels as if we have known you guys forever. I think that’s because we resonate with your heart as you passionately follow and obey God’s calling on your lives, even when it is difficult and unsure. I cannot wait to hear about the many ways that God’s hand takes care of you on this journey. Trish and I are proud to call you not only friends, but also brothers and sisters in Christ. We love your family and look forward to seeing you again.
In Christ,
John
Darcel Shankle says
WOW! You are off & running! I keep thinking of little Jude and how he is doing. I will especially pray for him and traveling mercies. I’m so sorry we did not get to see you all before you left. We had bad timing with our vacation and being out of town. You know we love you and will be praying for you. Looking forward to hearing the progress as you carry out God’s plans! We are so proud of you and proud to be a part of this mission! Love, Darcel
Mary says
Hey Tom and Beth, So blessed to read how this all culminated in your departure to PNG. AT LAST! I could so totally relate to your confusion of emotions. They run the gamut during departures, eh? But praise God, for we know He will go with you and just as He undertook for you during partnership development time, He will be with you as you make all those adjustments to a new country, a new home, and that He will give you new friends too. Not that there won’t be tears shed once in PNG…You’ll probably have some ‘blue Sundays’ when you really, REALLY miss your home church and all your family, friends, and supporters back home. But be assured, God will gently help you through that tough time and ‘blue Sundays’ will eventually become a thing of the past. : ) Praising God for His faithfulness and praying He will give you strength for each step of the way. Love you guys! Welcome to Hoskins and the ISLANDS REGION! : ) Islands! Islands! Islands! (a cheer that has oft been repeated at annual conferences). Mary : )
Chrissy Chubb says
I don’t think it’s quite fair that we weren’t able to be there for your send off. 🙁 But we love you guys and we’re praying for you. Don and I are so excited for you (I am more emotional). I’m gonna miss you guys so much. Maybe we’ll meet you guys over there before we see you here again. Give Jude lots of hugs and kisses everyday from me.
P.S. Jason Davis?
Michele says
Huge blessings and hugs to you guys! So sorry to have missed your last weekend at church.
Stephanie Somers says
Blessing upon blessing to you guys! We love you so much. A huge adventure with God is in front of you!
Trish says
It brings tears to my eyes to read this. Our family looked exactly like yours does now when we went to Haiti believing that is where the Lord had us going. Our path was different, but I can remember having many of the feelings you describe as you set out. We look forward to hearing your adventures, your feelings and what God has planned for you. My heart and prayers are with you!
Alicia says
Hey, if you forget anything just shoot me an e-mail from OZ and we’ll bring it to OZ and mail it up from there.. my guess is it will be cheaper :o) Much Love! ~Alicia
Juliana Helwig says
I am excited for you, I know you have been waiting for this moment. But isn’t God’s timing perfect! I will be looking forward to hearing about your journey!
And I will continue to pray for you guys!
God Bless,
Juliana
Deb says
I love you! Super blessed to be a part of your ‘sending team’.
If you need anything- you just call-o.k.?! Even if it’s Dorito’s or Biore’ strips. 🙂 Whatever helps make the initial transition go smoother!
We already miss you but we’re SO incredibly humbled and proud to have you be where you are today, all by the grace and goodness of God! HUGS, giggles and tickels,
your sister
Charlotte Murdoch says
Yes, it is still on Planet Earth!
From Auntie Char on “the other side”