Boy, it feels as if I am sending my son off to college! Getting all his needs taken care of before he flew as well as making sure his phone, computer and bank card work in addition to arranging with our friends for him to live with him...whew! I don't think I like this part of parenting where you send kids off and you won't see them for a while. I know this is just beginning as Amy is going to college in the Fall, God willing, and Matt will be just a year behind her!
Please pray for me, that I would continue to trust God with my very special son; knowing that He hasn't moved away or lost frequent contact. Please pray for Matt to have a successful and smooth re-entry with friends and teachers. Pray for us both as we figure out home schooling from a distance...a new thing for me!
Tom is in Czech as well handing in Visa paperwork for a visa renewal. Please pray for this HUGE and often complicated process. Tom is also going to attend Prague City Team annual planning sessions. The time after the meetings is planned full of gathering/handing in any additional visa paperwork that may be required, meeting with our colleagues and friends and resting before flying back.
I am looking forward to my time with the four kids here. The time goes so differently without Tom, but I find it to be good, if I manage my time well!
Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT is hosting a womens retreat to which I am going. That means that I will be flying to NYC next Friday morning. Tom is to fly into Chicago Friday evening so we will pass like ships in the night. I am looking forward to the time of reconnecting with women I met last time I was at this retreat and making new friends, too!
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy 2011!
Wow, can't believe it is already 2011. Remember the movies, "Back to the Future" where 2015 was SO FAR into the future? Crazy. Where are all those fantastic inventions they promised?
I am working on our family ancestry and have gotten as far back as the year 1465! Ancestry.com is the site I am working off of and no this isn't a paid plug from them. I have the free trial and am working really hard to get some family history things in one place. As I dig, I found one relative that lived in Gabon, Africa...I think it was 1700's but would have to check my records to confirm that. What an experience THAT must have been. I wonder if they were missionaries? Hmmm, what would it have been like to travel in Africa at that time in history? Scary and wild are some words that come to mind.
And then I wonder if they ever thought of me...well, not me really, but their ancestors. Did they pray for me? Did they live their lives in such a way that we would be encouraged looking at their historical records? Will I see them in heaven and get to know them?
What about me? Do I pray for those following me and my life? My word for the year is prayer. I don't spend nearly enough time in prayer. I have been challenged by people who pray for me and my family daily. There is always a reason/excuse: little kids, travel, sick. I have decided that all excuses/reasons aside, my focus needs to be fine tuned so that I see life and my day and my activities through His lenses, not mine. Mine tend to be cloudy, even a bit funny shaped as they curve inward towards my often focus...me!
I am waking up at 5:30 a.m. to have uninterrupted time praying and reflecting on His Word. Really early for me. Really life altering as I tend to be a night owl. So that means that I need to get myself to bed earlier. I find that starting my day off in prayer is really helping me see God at work in a special way, I am hearing His voice and enjoying talking with Him.
Right now my place is on the couch in the living room downstairs. When we return to CZ I will find a new place. What a sacred place that spot becomes quickly.
So, my challenge to you...live with Him in mind and live like you want your up and coming ancestors to see you live. Not for your glory, but for His!
Acts 17:28
"In Him we live and move and have our being.:
I am working on our family ancestry and have gotten as far back as the year 1465! Ancestry.com is the site I am working off of and no this isn't a paid plug from them. I have the free trial and am working really hard to get some family history things in one place. As I dig, I found one relative that lived in Gabon, Africa...I think it was 1700's but would have to check my records to confirm that. What an experience THAT must have been. I wonder if they were missionaries? Hmmm, what would it have been like to travel in Africa at that time in history? Scary and wild are some words that come to mind.
And then I wonder if they ever thought of me...well, not me really, but their ancestors. Did they pray for me? Did they live their lives in such a way that we would be encouraged looking at their historical records? Will I see them in heaven and get to know them?
What about me? Do I pray for those following me and my life? My word for the year is prayer. I don't spend nearly enough time in prayer. I have been challenged by people who pray for me and my family daily. There is always a reason/excuse: little kids, travel, sick. I have decided that all excuses/reasons aside, my focus needs to be fine tuned so that I see life and my day and my activities through His lenses, not mine. Mine tend to be cloudy, even a bit funny shaped as they curve inward towards my often focus...me!
I am waking up at 5:30 a.m. to have uninterrupted time praying and reflecting on His Word. Really early for me. Really life altering as I tend to be a night owl. So that means that I need to get myself to bed earlier. I find that starting my day off in prayer is really helping me see God at work in a special way, I am hearing His voice and enjoying talking with Him.
Right now my place is on the couch in the living room downstairs. When we return to CZ I will find a new place. What a sacred place that spot becomes quickly.
So, my challenge to you...live with Him in mind and live like you want your up and coming ancestors to see you live. Not for your glory, but for His!
Acts 17:28
"In Him we live and move and have our being.:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
between Christmas and New Years
Today is a quiet sort of day, aside from the throbbing head and the aching muscles in my neck and shoulders. I think that I shouldn't be too surprised at my body requiring a day off since we have been traveling and visiting for six months with hardly a break. The kicker was Nate crawling into our bed sometime early this morning after having a scary dream. Not sure what that is all about, but he just settled in the middle of the bed and was content to have his legs in the middle of my back. That is probably what the sore muscles are about.
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday! This year had many highlights:
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
training
I am training for a 5k walk/run called the Turkey Trot at the YMCA Thanksgiving morning. Today was my first official practice walk/run. H joined me and went halfway with me. She is training for a 1k run. We walked one minute, ran one minute until halfway through when I started walking two minutes and running one. I need to reverse the path because the last stretch is all uphill! My time? 39:45. I will keep training and hoping to improve my time before Thanksgiving morning. Actually, our entire family is doing either the 1k or 5k, except for N. Fun!
We are also in spiritual training. Sometimes I am more aware of it than others. Sometimes I am looking forward to/straining to train and other times it seems to happen to me. In any case, I am learning to grow and stretch toward becoming all that God wants me to be.
We are being stretched in many ways this time in the US: financially, physically and spiritually. M and H and I pray together at the start of school and were praying specifically for money for or winter clothes for R and N. Two days later, God provided money much beyond enough for that from some dear friends. Be encouraged...God does hear and answer our prayers!
If you have experiences where you are training as well...please write. That would encourage me as well.
We are also in spiritual training. Sometimes I am more aware of it than others. Sometimes I am looking forward to/straining to train and other times it seems to happen to me. In any case, I am learning to grow and stretch toward becoming all that God wants me to be.
We are being stretched in many ways this time in the US: financially, physically and spiritually. M and H and I pray together at the start of school and were praying specifically for money for or winter clothes for R and N. Two days later, God provided money much beyond enough for that from some dear friends. Be encouraged...God does hear and answer our prayers!
If you have experiences where you are training as well...please write. That would encourage me as well.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
out of batteries
My camera is out of batteries which makes taking pictures impossible. Enter my husband and kids who are kind enough to let me use their cameras...if only I could download the pictures as easily as mine! So, this update will be sans photos. Sorry...we have some great ones!
We have had the joy and pleasure to travel around and reconnect with supporting churches and individuals. In the last two weekends, we traveled to Lima, OH (196 miles) away. We connected with a church that we were last at in 2002! My, how time goes quickly. What fun to be surprised by my aunt and cousins as we set up our display table in the foyer. I didn't realize that my cousins have been attending that church for 3 years! They took us out to Godfather's Pizza and we had a chance to talk with just them.
Spending time with the M family was a pleasure as well. We have seen them more recently and our kids enjoy them. Our son, Matt, especially enjoys their boys, but Matt had something else already planned that weekend and wasn't able to be there. Hannah and Nate had a great time with them, however. We SO appreciate you, M family!
This last weekend we got to spend Friday night with our former colleagues in the Czech Republic! What "should have" been a 2 1/2 hour trip for us turned into an almost 5 hour trip, thanks to traffic in Chicago! We arrived MUCH later than planned, to a delicious and still warm meal. What a treat to spend the night with the F family. Having hosts who know us and understand us and share history is so fun. Thanks F family! We love you.
Then, we drove to Grantsburg, WI (Trade River, actually). That trip was about 6 hours from the F family's home. We stayed with the V family, pastor and family at Trade River EFC. We haven't been there since 2001 and enjoyed connecting with the new pastor, missions committee and many new members in the church. Our time there was sweet and we look forward to a sooner return there. The return trip was over 9 hours in duration not including a stop for supper.
We arrived home at 12:30 a.m. in Indiana. Monday was a sleep-in day for us and we have now picked up the pace with home school and extra-curricular activities again.
Today, our colleague, R, is coming for lunch! What a fun treat! So many of us in the US at this point and it is fun to see each other here.
Tonight we get to have another Czech Dessert. This time in "our" home! We look forward to sharing with those who come about what God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Tomorrow I am looking forward to two special things:
1) connecting with the mom and sister of one of my friends from high school. The M family serves in Mexico where B grew up. I am so excited to see her mother who also lives and ministers in Mexico. Her sister K lives nearby so this will be a chance to connect after so many years!
2) eating supper with our dear friends, the N family in Grand Rapids, MI. We have known this dear family for at least 16 years. The parents served in Africa for years. Their daughters and spouses are friends and have been a great encouragement to our family.
So many great experiences! Such rich lives!
Sometimes, our batteries can get low, though with all this activity. Pray for rest and good communication between Tom and I and our family as we are often drawn many directions. We want to truly be working together during this time of raising support and visiting friends as well.
Happy Fall to you all!
We have had the joy and pleasure to travel around and reconnect with supporting churches and individuals. In the last two weekends, we traveled to Lima, OH (196 miles) away. We connected with a church that we were last at in 2002! My, how time goes quickly. What fun to be surprised by my aunt and cousins as we set up our display table in the foyer. I didn't realize that my cousins have been attending that church for 3 years! They took us out to Godfather's Pizza and we had a chance to talk with just them.
Spending time with the M family was a pleasure as well. We have seen them more recently and our kids enjoy them. Our son, Matt, especially enjoys their boys, but Matt had something else already planned that weekend and wasn't able to be there. Hannah and Nate had a great time with them, however. We SO appreciate you, M family!
This last weekend we got to spend Friday night with our former colleagues in the Czech Republic! What "should have" been a 2 1/2 hour trip for us turned into an almost 5 hour trip, thanks to traffic in Chicago! We arrived MUCH later than planned, to a delicious and still warm meal. What a treat to spend the night with the F family. Having hosts who know us and understand us and share history is so fun. Thanks F family! We love you.
Then, we drove to Grantsburg, WI (Trade River, actually). That trip was about 6 hours from the F family's home. We stayed with the V family, pastor and family at Trade River EFC. We haven't been there since 2001 and enjoyed connecting with the new pastor, missions committee and many new members in the church. Our time there was sweet and we look forward to a sooner return there. The return trip was over 9 hours in duration not including a stop for supper.
We arrived home at 12:30 a.m. in Indiana. Monday was a sleep-in day for us and we have now picked up the pace with home school and extra-curricular activities again.
Today, our colleague, R, is coming for lunch! What a fun treat! So many of us in the US at this point and it is fun to see each other here.
Tonight we get to have another Czech Dessert. This time in "our" home! We look forward to sharing with those who come about what God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Tomorrow I am looking forward to two special things:
1) connecting with the mom and sister of one of my friends from high school. The M family serves in Mexico where B grew up. I am so excited to see her mother who also lives and ministers in Mexico. Her sister K lives nearby so this will be a chance to connect after so many years!
2) eating supper with our dear friends, the N family in Grand Rapids, MI. We have known this dear family for at least 16 years. The parents served in Africa for years. Their daughters and spouses are friends and have been a great encouragement to our family.
So many great experiences! Such rich lives!
Sometimes, our batteries can get low, though with all this activity. Pray for rest and good communication between Tom and I and our family as we are often drawn many directions. We want to truly be working together during this time of raising support and visiting friends as well.
Happy Fall to you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)