We are ending our time here in Porto, Portugal and have returned to our apartment to pack and clean and Sunday am we head home to visit all our family and friends and then head on to Mozambique in October. It has been a busy few weeks. This last week we spent at a Christian camp on the coast. It was restful and quiet. We felt priveledged to be part of their time. There were things for Toby to do and no expectations for the family other than to enjoy ourselves and rest.

I was able to take some time for myself as well and ended up on the bluffs that overlook the seemingly endless ocean. The first time I went I found a small shell and had some deep thoughts as to how it got there and how it could not have gotten there alone. I was moved as the journey Cami and I have been on for the last....Well, our journey has lead us many places and through some pretty dark valleys and now we find ourselves on the edge again, looking out at a new horizon, eager and wondering what God has in store for us now and the years to come. But we know for a fact we have not gotten here alone. We have had the support of friends and family, direct and indirect leading from God, even seeming distractions from satan (which God used for our good!). We are not here, we are not moving on alone. We are cognizant and aware of our ties to all around us, all we leave behind and all we travel to. It is a wonderful feeling.
Well, lest I ramble, as I looked closer at the shell I thought to myself, 'you know, this could be a snail shell...Okay, forget it'. And I proceeded to bury the thoughts and not tell anyone.
The second time I went there, different place, sat down and at my feet as I sat was a small shell. An small round limpet shell. Definitely not a snail shell! Couldn't help to think, maybe I didn't get there by myself either.
So, if you, like me, ever feel alone, remember, there is no way you got to where you are alone. And where ever you are going...Don't go alone!

The Bible tells of the birds of te air, how they don't sow or reap and how God takes care of them. And goes on tell that we shouldn't worry as God will also take care of us even more so as we are more important to God and have relationship with God. Now, I can attest to this first hand and also saythat often God takes care of His people in ways that seemingly do not make sense. His ways are not only above us but often paradoxical to our way of thinking....ok.

Well, at this moment I am not worried, but wish I were a bird. We are in the process of sorting, packing, giving away and traveling from Porto, Portugal to the United States and then on to Mozambique. We are glad to be moving on but honestly moving a family of four is gruelling and at the same time exciting. We are trying to look at the process as a big adventure yet are tired form the beginning. next week we will conclude our language learning by attending a Christian family camp at the beach. Then, next sunday we fly away home to see all our friends and relatives.

If you pray, pray for us. If you would like to meet us, let us know. Check our website itinerary at camikevin@groups.msn.com , we may be coming to a city near you!

Pensive, doubting, fearful heart...mine.

I listened to this today and was stuck again by the words and sentiments that although God may indeed seem far away or even be castizing us...He is not too far and will without fail return and restore us. This has happened to me. (If you go to our website you can read the story of the loss of our daughter Tabitha) Although restoration has come in unexpected ways and much slower than i had hoped, God has been faithful to me and i thank Him for that.

Read the lerics, they are form an old hymn (Gatsby Hymns)

Pensive, doubting, fearful heart, hear what Christ the Savior says;
Every word should joy impart, change thy mourning into praise.
Yes, He speaks and speaks to thee, may He help thee to believe;
Then thou presently will see, thou hast little cause to grieve.
Fear thou not, nor be ashamed; All thy sorrows soon shall end,
I, who heaven and earth have framed, Am thy Husband and thy Friend;
I the High and Holy One, Isreal's God, by all adored.
As thy Savior will be known, Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.
For a moment I withdrew, and thy heart was flled with pain;
But my mercies I'll renew; Thou shall soon rejoice again;
Though I seem to hide my face, very soon my wrath shall cease;
'Tis but for a moment's space, ending in eternal peace.
Though aflicted, tempest tossed, comfortless awhile thou art,
Do not think thou canst be lost, art graven on my heart;
All thy wastes I will repair; Thou shalt be built anew;
And in thee it shall appear what the God of love can do.

(I just thought the picture was nice...it is of my older boy Toby and his Mom)

Well, after much ado, here i am. I have been unsuccessfully attempting to write meaningful things and communicate to my friends for years now. But it wasn't until i learned blogging wasn't for computer wizzes that i have now started.

So to begin, i will try to communicate my thoughts unrehearsed and unashamedly. My faith is my own, a gift i recieved many moons ago and if you don't agree or like it....well, tough. I believe the Bible to be true and applicable to our lives today. I also believe there are many different interpretations and many are not worth arguing about. I believe that many years people and the Christian church have argued and divided over issues of little or no importance. I believe that the stronger individual (having faith and conviction) can tolerate and accept those of limited tolerance or forberance. It is funny that those who preach acceptance don't accet the people who claim to be 'right'...

Anyway, here i am. I have lived in Africa and studied the religions of the Bantu people group. I perfer living in Africa than to the US as the later seems to be completely overwelmed wth Postmodern Me-ism.

I want to live my life in such a way as not to be avoiding the obvious nor overwelmed by it. I want to love the way Jesus taught (yikes--it is tough), and i want to be free.


So, until i feel the urge to purge.
God loves you and i will try my best