He IS Worthy!

“And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” – Revelation 5:9

Being a missionary is really, REALLY tough sometimes (and we’ve only been here 2 months!). Ok, yup, secret’s out! We’re not missionary superheroes (that spot’s reserved for guys like Jim Elliot…).

On the 12th, one of Clint’s younger brothers got married, and one of his sisters is getting married tomorrow. I can’t tell you how many times we have been fighting tears as we think of all of Clint’s immediate family being together…without us. I know that sounds really selfish, but it’s true.

The past two weeks, we’ve been battling fatigue, sickness, a weird allergic reaction and rash, culture stress, language evaluations, and a teething baby.

When we were still in the States, we had many people tell us, “I could never do what you’re doing!”

Honestly, we could never do it either. There’s no way we would just pack up our little family, leave everything familiar, and plunk ourselves in a hot, humid country with 800 different languages. Unless we believed that there is something more than just this life.

We have to keep reminding ourselves, He is worthy. He is worthy. He is worthy!

That’s why we’re here. Not because it’s an easy, glamorous life. Not because we are Christian superheroes. But because God is worthy to receive the praise from ALL people, even those who have never heard His name.

A lot of our new friends that are helping us learn the trade language live in so much fear. Fear of spirits that might poison them with sickness. Fear of witchcraft from other people who might be mad at them. They have no idea of the freedom that knowing Christ brings. Our hearts ache for them to be able to hear about Him.

That’s what keeps us here. When it gets tough. When we feel homesick. When we start missing crazy little things (like Little Caesar’s Pizza, for crying out loud!). He IS worthy! And they need to hear!

29 Years

I am married to the most incredible man in the entire world. Sorry for all you other ladies, but I’ve got him already. :) Today, he celebrates 29 years of life, and I am so, so thankful for each of those years.

Clint is a man of his word. He is passionate about the things of God, yet gentle in his application of those things and his encouragement to others. He is fully committed to God’s calling on his life, which is so rare in today’s culture.

He is committed to me as my husband. I feel safe talking about anything and everything with him. He is bold enough to tell me when I am wrong, but gentle enough to do it in a way that makes me feel more loved after he says it. He truly is my best friend, and I am so glad we get to do this thing called “life” together!

Clint takes such good care of me and of Kyler. He is an amazing dad, and I love watching him play with Kyler! He is so good about sharing the responsibility of raising him, and he even helps change diapers! :) What a man!

He loves the people here in Papua New Guinea. It’s been so awesome to work together as a couple to learn this language and culture. I’ve gotten to see him interacting with people here, and I love how he genuinely loves them and wants to be true friends with them.

I know I’m bragging on my man, but seriously, I can’t help it. He is amazing. It makes me cry realizing how blessed I am, and how grateful I am that God has brought us together.

Clint, happy birthday! I love you so much, and I’m so glad that you are my husband!

A Little Taste of Heaven

Man, Heaven is going to be so insanely awesome. I can’t even imagine a place with no language or cultural boundaries. A place where we can join together with people from every people group, praising God and enjoying Him forever.

We get a little taste of Heaven every Sunday morning. Since we live near town right now, many of the people here have been exposed to the Gospel and are true believers. Across the dirt road from our base is a little national church that meets outside under a big blue tarp. Not many attend the service. It’s usually pretty hot and sticky. But it’s a beautiful time of fellowship and worshiping God together.

It gives me chills each time we sing together in the trade language. Yeah, it’s a relatively simple language, but they still convey the greatness and majesty of God in a beautiful way in their songs. We are so blessed to be a part of this local body of believers for our 4 months here!