After we submitted our missionary questionnaires/applications and the new year began, we continued to pray for guidance and for God's will for our future to be revealed. We are a busy little family and the months slipped by without any indication that we were meant to be missionaries in Haiti. The willingness in our hearts had not changed, but we felt a bit like we were waiting for the Lord to reveal His plan for us.
Rick traveled to Haiti once again with a construction work team. He did not visit Hospital Lumiere this time, but still got a first hand look at life in Haiti. While fireworks were not ignited in his heart, the willingness to serve where God directed us continued to grow.
During this time, some opportunities were developing for Rick with his work at KSi Conveyors, Inc that he was finding challenging and exciting. We were still considering mission service and wanted to explore how God might use us, but because of several reasons, it was taking a long time for interviews to be arranged. We began to feel God might be closing the door. (which would have been very fine with us!)
In May, things came to a head. Rick was given the opportunity to move into a position at KSi as the National Sales Director. He was excited by the new challenge. We discussed this opportunity and decided that he should move forward with it. The thought of long term mission service was still out there, but we were open to the fact that God might have other plans for us. Rick made a verbal agreement to accept the position and had a contract in hand when we received an email to set-up the first round of interviews for mission service. At this point, there was a bit of frustration and confusion as to what God's plan really was for us. After a few hours and a discussion with a few brothers in faith that gave wise counsel, we decided to move forward on both fronts. Even if a commitment to long term mission service did develop, it would be a year or so before we would mobilize; Rick could still be productive in a new position.
We met with members of the Mission Committee for interviews in late May and then with members of the Hospital Lumiere Governance Board for interviews in early July. Once we completed these interviews, the idea that God might REALLY be calling us to serve in Haiti become real. I began to realize that mission service could be a reality for us and I had to examine my heart to see if I was willing to follow where God was leading. It is easy to say that we want to live in God's will and follow where he leads us, it takes humility and faith to act on it. Before a decision could be made, Rick and I needed to travel to Haiti together and take a survey trip of Hospital Lumiere and the work being done there. Our next step was to schedule a trip.
It had been 7 months since we officially started this process, 10 months since Rick had told me of the desire in his heart and 17 months since the first seed was planted. While it seemed like we were waiting on the Lord during some of this time, I am thankful for God's timing. In hindsight, if the process to this point had moved faster, I would have been completely overwhelmed. His timing is perfect!
As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord? Or who is a rock, save our God? It is god that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Psalms 18:30-33
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