Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Goodbye Newberry

Well, we have said goodbye to Newberry. Or at least we have said goodbye to our friends in Newberry. As the movers were here on Thursday we had arranged to eat dinner with some of our friends there in Newberry. It was interesting that we ended up eating our last meal in Newberry where we ate our first meal. I love symmetry.

Although, it was good to gather several of our friends there at Pharoah's in Newberry, it was a bit surreal. As we visited from table to table sharing some moments with different folks, it was weird being part of the conversation, but not being part of the conversation. I mean, it seemed just like any other time eating out as people talked about the week's events, their upcoming plans, etc. But as we shared the meal, I realized that life goes on.

However, rather than dwell on the mixed emotions of the night, I have to share the highlight. The owner of the restaruant is an Egyptian we call Matt. He has been very interested in the fact that I would leave America to go to Africa. He has told me several times that he would miss me and my family. Well, as an expression of his friendship, he told me that he had a gift for me. I was intrigued. What could it be?

When Matt returned with a gallon container of his homemade "House" salad dressing. He said, "I want you to have this because I know it is your favorite!"

I almost cried.

Now I am trying to figure out if it will be worth the effort to keep it in a cooler and carry it on the plane with me all the way to Kenya - probably not, but I am seriously contemplating it!

The Mission Safari E-Newsletter, September 2004

Dear Friends,

A One Way Ticket!

I have been "threatened" a few times of being "given" a One Way Ticket out of town, but never did I imagine that I would ever purchase one. But it is true! I received my E-ticket last week confirming not only MY departure, but that of my wonderful family. We leave for Kenya September 27th! Thank you so much for helping to "purchase" that One Way ticket!

But, hey, don't stop praying just yet. Although we bring to a close this chapter of our lives, we are just getting to start another one. And we still need you. Our "goal" has never been to "just" raise enough support to purchase that One Way Ticket, but to use it to "continue that good work which was begun" in us through Christ Jesus.

If you have ever read my Blog, The Mission Safari (http://missionsafari.typepad.com), you will notice that the subtitle is: "It's not the Destination, it's the Journey." We truly believe that. It is not that God has called us to Kenya, but to Journey there: to live "there", become a part "of there", and to help build the kingdom of God "there". All of that "there" is a process - a daily journey. A journey of ups and downs. Of victories and of failures. Of prospering and of suffering.

And we need you to be part of that Journey. To participate in prayer, in encouragement, in giving of talents and finances.

So, with that in mind, let's praise the Lord for the things He has done!

Praises

1. God has raised our support team. We depart September 27th. 2. God has given us good "farewells" with our families in Illinois and Indiana. 3. God has worked out the details for our housing in Kenya. 4. God has given us great rest during our recent vacation. 5. God has worked out some housing (free) this month as we move out of Newberry on September 3rd.

Petitions

1. Pray that our the packing of our shipment will go well this week. 2. Pray that we will be able to have a good month of homeschool during this crazy transition month. We start September 7th. 3. Pray my work permit will be processed very quickly in Kenya and that it will be "waiting" for me when I arrive. 4. Pray for our final farewells this month with friends and family. 5. Pray for travel mercies at the end of the month. 6. Pray for us to complete all the last minute details necessary for us to depart.

Blessings.

Tim

Back in the Saddle

After 8 weeks of medical "unemployment", I am back in the saddle again. As if I didn't have anything better to do with my time (pack up the apartment, arrange for visas, finalize departure plans, so on and so forth) I decided to cover a few ER shifts (for the VA Hospital in Augusta, Georgia). And I am glad I did.

First, you would think that after 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency training, and 6 years of medical practice, you wouldn't "forget" much in two months. And although I haven't forgotten the big important stuff, I am amazed at how "sluggish" I feel trying to remember the names of little things. This is a very important lesson that I am learning. Unless I apply myself to stay current reading American medical journals, I will feel REALLY "sluggish" after a 4 year hiatus overseas.

Second, I am reminded at how much I LOVE practicing medicine. I have really enjoyed my patient encounters and my nursing staff interactions. Medicine is the "way best cool" job in the world (or at least I think so). I really enjoy trying to help figure out what is going on with patients and I enjoy helping reassure them about what is going on and what we can do to help them.

So, for those of you out there reading this and wondering if a career in medicine is for you, don't listen to those doctors and nurses that complain about all the "problems" (and believe me there are some!) in medicine. The healthcare field is one of the greatest careers you can enjoy.