It seems time goes by faster the older you get and the older your kids get. But as I think back through this last year, I’m amazed at how far this family has come. Not only in terms of miles from home, but of where we were, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Last year at this time we were heading towards transitions. A move to a new home, visiting Cairns Australia for a week, and then 6 weeks of POC training. I think I remember saying to myself, “Ok, take a deep breath and hold on.“ God hasn’t let me down so far.
As many of you know, I am not the type of person who likes change or looks for adventure. Yes I know Chad is on the other side of the spectrum which is good because we balance each other in this regard. This year, as in the previous one, God has been stretching and growing me in ways that I never would of thought. 5 years ago if you would of said, “Ruth is going to be in PNG for 3 yrs or more!” I probably would have laughed hysterically. Reflecting back on what God called us to and trying to seek His will for the future of where he wants us, is a hard but a good place to be.
Before we made the decision to come to PNG, Chad and I were both feeling like something was going to happen but had no clue what was coming down the pipeline. We had a sense of those feelings for almost 2 years. When we arrived here and were settled into our “new” lives, the feeling of “Yep! This is where God wants us to be-for now.” gave us great relief. I love being content in the knowledge we are doing what God asks of us and how it feels.
Yes, there are days where I would love to be “home” enjoying the conveniences of the American society and culture. But then I am reminded again that being in God’s will is so much more important than running through a drive through and getting an ice cold soda or mocha. As Chad and I have talked about what the future may hold we keep coming back to what is God’s will and then what does that look like for us in our marriage and with our girls? We haven’t gotten the email, fax, or certified letter from God strung down from heaven that says what He wants from us long term, other than what He has already told us in His word. We just daily ask, “What is your will for today AND please guide us for the future.” Not only Chad and my future but for the girls.
As we have 1 that only has a year and half left of living with us (GULP) and then one that has just entered the world of teenager (double gulp) and then yet another one that may be the most influenced by if we come back to PNG or if we stay in the USA because she is still at that very sponge like age and can make the most impact. Meliah, Annakah and Kiery are definitely more global thinkers than they would have been had we stayed state-side.
There is a lot to think about and pray earnestly about. Not to mention other factors of finances, family, support etc. God will never give you more than you can handle but just enough to always say “Lord, help!!!!”
-Ruth Michael
