 Saturday, December 20, 2003Dear friends and family,
We wanted to let you all know that we made it to Mozambique! Sorry this has been our first chance to let you know about our trip. The last week has been quite a whirlwind! we do want to praise God for his hand of protection that kept us safe and provided for us during our long trip. From the first moments in the Lisbon airport, God has made his presence known. The angel at the British Airways ticket counter didn't weigh any of our bags and let us check more bags than typically allowed. We also were escorted through the entire London airport so that we would not miss the flight to Johanasburg. They gave us royal treatment and let us board before anyone else, calling us the "huge family of 12 with three babies." We were very disappointed to learn; however, that when we arrived in Maputo, Mozambique our baggage had not received the rapid transfer necessary to make it on the plane. so, we waited 36 hours in Maputo, staying with some very hospitable missionaries, until some of our luggage arrived. The Rolands and Westerholms had to stay behind three extra days until all of their luggage arrived, but we all got all of our bags and all are now in Nampula, Mozambique. We have settled into the guest quarters here and have spent the last few days busy getting things like work permits, groceries, internet in our house, etc... We are living with the Howells in an empty missionary house. We just got internet today and will be very excited to be able to keep in closer contact with all of you.
Asher has never been so happy as he has lots of dirt and grass to play in. "Outside" is the first word he says when he wakes up in the morning! It is fun for him to have room to run and he really enjoys taking his baths outside on the porch. He has made the transition easily, although he didn't like all the traveling on the airplanes! We are so thankful for all of your prayers and support during this time. We are excited to be here and see some dreams being realized.
Please pray as we continue to adjust to our new (although temporary) home here. It is the hottest time of the year - it was 110 degrees just a couple days back, and our bodies are still taking time to get used to this huge change - especially the children. However, in the evenings, it does cool off which makes sleeping easier. Cold showers are a welcome as we haven't even plugged in the hot water heater. There are fans in the houses, so that helps too. Asher and Ginger are having a horrible time (nightmares and insomnia) with their malaria medication and will probably have to try another kind next week. We are thankful for the doctor in Portugal who told us about another option for them. Know that we are thinking of all of you and missing you too during this holiday season. It is weird to think that it is almost Christmas because it feels more like a muggy August day in Arkansas! We would love hearing from you as we now have internet at home.
Blessings,
Kyle, Ginger,and Asher Holton
Monday, December 8, 2003Cold Feet...
Nervous? Scared? Anxious? Worried?
Well, the answer is... All the Above! We experience these emotions repeatedly on any given day. Our time in Portugal has come and gone and our lives will never be the same.... neither will our English! On the 12th of December (this Friday!) we'll pack up like the nomads we've become and head south to Mozambique. Once again the good-byes will be difficult but a little sweeter nonetheless for the land to which God has called us is now just within our reach. However, despite all the adventure and excitement, our lives are chock full right now of tedious and meticulous details that need to be accomplished before flying out. For example, we were allowed 140 lbs. per person on the flight over from America and on the flight to Mozambique we can only take 50 lbs. per person. And so we are weeding through and getting rid of our winter attire, (and as Paul said anything else that weighs us down, haha). Also, we are busy finishing up our visa requirements and renewing our vaccinations (fun stuff like that) and taking care of the all too important Christmas shopping.
This last month has been way too short for us. We've done all we can to put the "finishing touches" on our language but we know that we are as prepared as we're going to be. We've done our best to wrap our minds around this complicated language and now we're ready for the true test, life in Mozambique. It has been a blessing to live here in Lisbon for the last nine months. We've been privileged to share in the lives of some really wonderful people during our time in Portugal. Our church here gave us a send-off this last Sunday and it was encouraging to see people with whom we've shared such little time will be moved and saddened by our departure. We hope that these relationships will continue on through the great distance that separates us.
Since we first announced that we wanted to be missionaries to Africa we've gotten tons of responses from a wide spectrum of people. Mainly along the lines of, "Why in the world would you want to do something like this?" I would have to say that for years now I've struggled with the same question, "What are we doing here?" And I don't have any simple answer or any easy formula for discerning the voice of God. The only thing that I do know is that his voice calls forth obedience. I love Abraham for that very reason. His life speaks greatly of miracles and the wondrous acts of the Almighty. But at the very center of all his decisions is his relentless pursuit of an obedient life, no matter where or who he ended up being in the end. And I figure that's why we're here today, because one day, a long time ago, we felt the voice of God rattle us through a burden for the poor in Africa. We're not here because we think he needs us or that we believe we're doing something great for him. We're here simply because of that same holy pursuit Abraham was after, to be spent, ruined, and wasted on the Kingdom of God. No matter if that takes us to Mozambique or urban America. The calling we've accepted has no greater value or importance than any other job or life in this world or the one to come. As long as our decisions to be who we are flow from obedience to the wild, unnerving, tender voice of God.
We appreciate all your prayers on our behalf and we are especially thankful to those who have been fasting for us during this week. Your prayers are warmly felt and your sacrifices are gratefully received. We hold each one of you close in our hearts, and thank you so much for the many ways you have blessed our lives. Merry Christmas.
The peace of the Lord,
Rusty and Ann |