Preparation amidst chaos!

Greetings friends!

As Marilyn and I prepare once again for our annual trip to Kenya, we have been consumed this year not only by our preparation for our trip, but also by a whirlwind of activity surrounding the sale of our family home, and looking for another place to live upon our return!  This may be the first time we actually look FORWARD to getting on a plane to begin our grueling 20+ hour journey!  As many of you already know, we placed our home up for sale in Mid- March, and after many months of tepid interest, we were resigned to leaving for Kenya without having sold our home as anticipated.  The plan was to leave our home on the market until we returned in October, then to take it off the market for the end of the year holidays, and re-list it again in the spring of 2020.   Once again, the old adage: “be careful what you pray for” has proven to be true!  On 8/13, a couple driving around our neighborhood saw an “open house” sign that had inadvertently been left in the boulevard leading into our development.  Our open house had actually taken place on 8/11, but the sign remained in place.  After driving into our development, the couple saw our “for sale” sign and stopped to check out the “open house”.  At the time, Marilyn was at home preparing the house for a viewing by yet another couple that same evening.  She was just about to leave the house for the showing, when the errant couple came knocking at our door and inquired about our “open house”, and whether they might “have a look around”.  Being the gracious person that she is, Marilyn explained the mistaken situation, but invited them in anyway.  After a quick tour, they left with profuse apologies, only to call and request a second visit with their agent the following morning.  They came back again for a third viewing that same evening.  By this time, we were getting anxiously excited about the prospect of a potential buyer, but very nervous about our upcoming Kenya departure date of 9/5.  After about 10 days of anxious waiting, we were notified on 8/22 that the couple had decided on another property.  We heaved a sigh of relief, mixed with some disappointment, and set about preparing for our journey to Kenya.  On 8/24, their agent called back and asked if we would still consider a potential bid on our home.  On 8/25 we received, and signed, a contract on our home, with the stipulation that we needed to be out by 10/7.  After some furious calculations, we decided that this was “do-able”, but only barely…. after all, we were scheduled to return from Kenya on 10/1…. And closing was set for 10/3… how much more time did we need!?  On 8/26 and 8/27 we viewed some properties for sale, as well as some for rent…on 8/28 we submitted a bid for purchase on a house, and on 8/29/19, the contract was signed.  Closing on our new home is set for 10/4.  Our move is planned for 10/5…In the MEANTIME, we have been furiously packing up our house, packing for Kenya, arranging for requested repairs on our old home, having inspections done on our new home, arranging for moving services, talking to tree trimmers, pool service people, electricians, title companies, insurance companies, etc., etc., etc.…  WHEW!!!!  We are exhausted, and we haven’t even left yet!!  Following this week of frenzied chaos, we attended church this past Sunday.  The pastor spoke about living in God’s will, and how to discern His will for our lives.  We were reminded that our work is to “remain in His word”, our identity is to be “rooted in Christ”, and that we are to be “ambassadors of Christ” in the world; or “living love letters to the world” on behalf of God.  On Tuesday night, we attended our weekly bible study with medical and dental students (as well as other healthcare professionals) associated with CMDA (The Christian Medical and Dental Association).  The topic of discussion was “How to discern a calling from God”.  Our CMDA director, Scott Phillips, used the metaphor of a ship being guided through a treacherous channel by the use of 3 lights, which when perfectly aligned, appeared as one, but when out of alignment appeared as 3 separate lights.  We were reminded that the first light represents scripture – all callings from God should be consistent with scripture.  The second light represents circumstances in our lives, and counsel from trusted brothers and sisters in Christ – all callings should be compatible with our circumstances and with Godly counsel.  The third light represents inner witness – confirmation from the Holy Spirit…. God within us… that our leading or calling is actually from our Creator, rather than our own selfish desires.  Do you think perhaps there is a message there in the midst of our chaos?!  It was as if God was reminding us…He had indeed called us to Kenya, we are to be his “living love letters” to others, his ambassadors to the sick and less fortunate, and that by the confirmation of His spirit, all 3 “lights” are in alignment…we are indeed where he wants us to be…and Oh, by the way, “leave the rest to Me”.  So once again, this time in the midst of great chaos, we are off again to partner with our brothers and sisters in Kenya…we hope that you will join us…at least through this blog, and hopefully by your prayers…and be blessed, as we are blessed by our experiences along the way. 

With love, Randy and Marilyn.