I was pretty sure it would happen- I just did not know when. We had been warned that it was normal and had heard stories from other missionary families. Despite all those things, it still broke my heart.

A few nights ago, Matt and I were in the kitchen cleaning up after we had put the kids in bed. I heard something in the living room and turned to see my sweet Reeves sobbing. Of course, I rushed to her and asked what was wrong. Through her sobs she exclaimed, “Mom, I don’t want to go!” The 5 words that I had been dreading. Then she fell in my arms and continued to cry. She voiced her sadness of having to leave all her friends and family, her fear of going to a new place, her fear of making new friends, her fear of having no friends…. it all bubbled up.

Reeves is one who is always up for a new challenge. She has been excited about moving, but this excitement was replaced with a terrifying and overwhelming fear of the unknown. So I held her tight, and I cried with her. I cried because I am sad to leave friends and family; I fear going to a new place; I fear making new friends!

I don’t know what the future looks like for our family. I wanted to promise my baby girl that she will have good friends, that she will like her school, and that she will learn the language quickly. I wanted to squash her fears! However, these are not promises that I can make. I did promise her that the Lord knows our future and that He cares for us. So, Reeves and I made a pact to be brave and to face the unknown with confidence. We snuggled up and played the song, “You Make Me Brave.” She fell asleep hearing, “You call me out beyond the shore unto the waves… No fear can hinder now the promises You made.”

Yes, this is an exciting journey, but at times it can be terrifying! Please continue to pray for our family.

• Pray that the Lord will make us brave- this is not something that we can do in our own strength.
• Pray that we will reach 100% support. If you have not joined with us, please pray about becoming a monthly partner.
• Pray that God will give us wisdom as parents to love Ian and Reeves well through this transition.