So, I've been trying to figure out what to blog about tonight since I've been incredibly lazy on this lately. I thought about posting some deep thoughts about missions organization's business models or issues facing the leaders of the worldwide Bible translation movement. Then I reacted violently against that urge and thought I would just post a video that I saw today about signed language Bible translation.
All of these options were good, I suppose, but you won't read about them today. Maybe later.
I'll try not to meander too far in this post, but please forgive me if I don't arrive at the destination that you, or I, expected.
This weekend I've been wrestling with a few things concerning the future. Some of them are big things, and some not so life altering things. It's an interesting position to be in, being a member of a large missions organization, working alongside peers who may be paid staff or members as well. I've never really worked in the secular workplace, but it seems like my work environment is more fluid than most. People are in and out, here and there, transferring horizontally just as easily as vertically, seemingly on a whim.
I know it's not a whim, of course, at least for most of them. When Sarah and I agreed to come to Orlando, it was with the understanding that we would commit to about 2 years working in the Offices of the President. We knew from the outset that it would probably be a little more than that, but we still don't know for sure just how long we'll be in this city, in this state, in this country, or...well, you get the picture.
It may seem weird, but we've only been here for about four months and we're already talking about what the next step will be for us. Leaving my old job in Hudson, I had to be hush-hush about the process of leaving, keeping certain details mum until "the right time". It was difficult, but for the most part wise. Maybe my supervisor doesn't like this kind of talk, but that's okay, because my "calling" is involved, and she knows better than to get in the way of God's movement! (That's a compliment, Erica, in case you were wondering)
So here's what I've been thinking about lately:
We've got this team of people with us on our journey. We spent the past two years praying together, talking, building relationships, pooling resources, gaining trust and respect. The last thing we want to do is make decisions as if they will only affect Trevor, Sarah, Acacia, and Eliana in the long run. So I hereby proclaim that we will include you all (our team...and I suppose anyone else who reads this blog that cares!) in praying for and deciding on our next steps in our ministry.
Sorry for the declaration...I get dramatic when it's late.
Today there has been news of violence in Jos, Nigeria, where some of our friends live. Thankfully, both of these young families are in Florida during this really frightening time. A few weeks ago, Sarah said "maybe we should go to Nigeria"...just a passing thought. Then we talk about living in Brazil, or maybe this or that country. We'll see. You'll help. I'm glad.
I'm looking forward to continuing this conversation throughout the years. At least, I hope it's a conversation...not just a late night soliloquy.
As always...thanks for reading.
Trevor
P.S. Since some of you may not have seen this picture yet, this is our friendly neighborhood alligator. We saw him a few days ago and snapped this picture from the back yard! Don't worry, the girls have literally never set foot in the grass back there!
Spending time at SeaWorld, if you look really close, you'll see a dolphin stranded on the little island in the Dolphin Nursery. Don't worry, she was just playing.
Waiting for Shamu...Acacia's new obsession.
These flamingos were fluorescent orange! Awesome!
These flamingos were not so orange...but much bigger. Look closely for the kid with the smushed cheeks...she's not a fan.
Not posed. At all. I promise.
I know Sarah's not in this, but who can resist a two year old chasing squirrels around?
We went on a date! Alone! To Outback!
Blowin' out the candles...too many to count.
