NC Advent

I know I have been less present as of late on this blog (as I mentioned last, there has been more to think about than write as of late) BUT I thought I might point you at our NC Golden Hill blog to see some pictures from an activity that Britany and I led this Sunday. The pictures were taken and posted by Jon Hall... thanks Jon.

The details...
The hand made manger scene was the starting point for a discussion on what the different people/creatures who were a part of the advent experience must have been feeling... Mary, Joesph, Wise men, Shepherds, Angels, star?! and God the Father. It was a cool discussion.

The hand made advent wreath contained many of the symbols of our traditional advent wreaths with the wreath itself built out of post-it-notes. Each note contained a hope for the new year... each star a promise of what God could do...

Blessings in this Christmas season friends!

the house that Tim (helped) build...

So, I know it's been a while... there has been a lot more to think about than write... but I thought I might give you a glimpse of what I did this weekend. I joined a group of about 70+ people who built 3 houses in Tijuana, Mexico over about 3 days. We went with a ministry called Project Mexico led by one of my teammates here in San Diego. It was a great experience.

You know... there is just something about getting dirt under your finger nails... or paint on your legs... or some other strange substance that happens to be floating in the open sewers on your shoes. I feels real.

As I was helping lay the roof I kept wondering if the real reason Paul occasionally picked up his tent making was because it kept him sane at times... yeah, I know he needed the money but it sure must have felt good sometimes to simply just be a tent maker.

our fall letter

Well, here I sit in shorts, a t-shirt and flip-flops… cooking hot!!!

Let me tell you how many times I've asked myself "where am I?”

I’d love to take you on a journey with me through what it has been like to move from cold rainy Scotland to always-sunny Golden Hill, San Diego!

To start off, let me first say that we as a family have been so blessed and loved by you all. This last furlough was a real challenge as we came into it exhausted and emotionally drained. The entire 2 and 1/2 months were filled with encouraging coffees, tons of hugs and words of affirmation. It made it one of the most rewarding and encouraging furloughs ever! Thank you for blessing us.

We left Portland with only an offer on a house, the bags that came with us from Scotland, a 6-person tent (no joke) and our amazing new/used van!!! We stayed with good friends in Fresno and then headed to Rob and Laurie Yackley's (our boss and wife) for a few nights. As we reacquainted and talked future we still had nowhere to live in Golden hill. On one of the days Tim, Rob and I went to find a place and it was that day we saw the only rental house. We said, “yes” to it that day, hoping to be in it short term (rent is very high here), because our hope was to get into the house soon. In the meantime, we had a good friend donate a week at a Hilton about 20 minutes from Golden hill… it was perfect. We left Rob and Laurie's after 3 nights and spent the next week at the hotel till we could move into our cute rental house. And so, after 3 long days of driving, a few stops along the way, and a week in a hotel we made it to Golden hill, San Diego our new home!

It has been quite a month and a half as we have tried to settle this family. We started with a few lawn chairs, 2 blow up beds and a bench for a table for the first 10 days. Tim and his dad then flew to Lynden, WA and picked up our stuff that we had been storing for over 7 years, drove to Portland picked up all the wonderful things people had give us and headed back to San Diego, this all took only 3 days!!! They were amazing! And what about our shipment from Scotland? Well, it only took 100 days but it finally came and we could unpack all our belongings… now the settling begins. Tim's parents came to help us and we are so thankful for the work they did to help us get set up and put some roots down. Are you still wondering about the house? Well so are we! With the market the way it is, it has become a waiting game. We have prayed hard (as many of you have)… and about 10 days ago received an answer. The Lord in His sovereignty has removed it… and so, we keep praying. We know that the right affordable house will come where we will be able to do ministry AND raise our family. Keep praying for that house that is out there somewhere.

What is Golden Hill like? Well, it has a funny feel about it that we have yet to fully understand. At times I can look at the beautiful Victorians (a bit rundown), gorgeous palm trees and views and think back to when this part of town hopped with wealthy, upper class people. But, 90 years is a long time and much has come and gone since then. The other side to Golden Hill feels very inner city! We live on a corner right beside a main road that is the entrance to Golden Hill. It's truly amazing how the city never sleeps, between fire-trucks, police cars, car alarms, people fighting, wandering drunks and airplanes roaring over us (you have to pause your conversation while they go by) we are finding it hard to stop and have peace in this city! We lived in the city in Glasgow for 5 years but the noises were different, the feel was different. Amidst this, God has opened our eyes once again to a completely new set of cultures and we have experienced more culture shock than we could have ever anticipated… but it is exciting AND it is growing on us. We have done lots of exploring in the area and will continue to watch, listen and settle where God has asked us to pour our lives and extend His love to this community that needs His love so much.

How are the kids adjusting? Well the school really took us by surprise when we started. We knew our kids would be a minority, but there are maybe a dozen “white” kids out of 400-plus… including ours... its pretty great! Parts of this we love and are so thankful they get this chance to live so cross culture. Rarely do you hear English spoken outside the classes. It's been a mental shift as we wade through expectations of what we thought it would be like and the reality of what is. Each of our kids has handled the transition in their own way, some with excitement and some with tears. The school system is so different here that the kids have had to learn a completely different style of learning and rules! It has been about 5 weeks and everyday seems to become more natural. They are making new friends and have been really blessed by the teachers they have been given. We would appreciate your prayers in one area specifically… the system is so different than in the UK, we have found they don’t know some of the styles of learning and therefore are behind. Especially Duncan, as he is the oldest – it has been a hard start for him. God continues to fill them up in the areas we are weak in and watching them take another step in their faith has been truly amazing! Some really exciting news for us as a family is that McKenzie asked Jesus into her heart about 2 weeks ago and has been so excited. What a blessing to be a part of our children’s walk as parents, we feel truly blessed by these kids of ours. Over all they have been incredible troopers and done it with smiles on their faces (most of the time!) Tim and I are enjoying this new season of life with them entering childhood, although I’m so thankful that I still have one at home. God has sure been clear to me that right now my place is with them and creating a place of safety and love. We truly would not have it any other way… to pour what God’s given us into them and teach them what a life lived fully in love with JESUS looks like is a GREAT calling!

With great blessings,
The McDonald clan

roller coaster

It's been an interesting few weeks. Here our latest update...

To our supporters, friends and family,

What a roller coaster this last week has been. In the midst of the financial "meltdown" on Wall Street we have been in a emotional and financial tug-of-war with the sellers of the home and the company giving the loan (the two companies are connected). Depending on what hour of which day we either had the house and were moving forward or were never going to be able to get it... Thursday night we were called by the mortgage guy saying that he might be able to lend us the mortgage after all because the foundation was not as bad as we had originally thought. He was going to go to his boss and give it a try and let us know today whether they would take us. Well, in the midst of this, we began processing what the bottom line had become for us financially over these last days. With the Canadian dollar now so low we have lost 15% of our monthly support in 9 days and then lost thousands of dollars bringing our deposit across to the US from Canada. What this meant was that we were no longer in the financial condition we had started the process AND as we processed that we came to the realization that God wanted us to pull out of the house! We have asked God to lead us through this whole deal and I think that is the hardest part about it. At times it has felt like the doors were closing and then all of a sudden the door would open in amazing ways.

I (Britany) think we are dealing with a whole lot more than just losing a house offer. When I was writing in my journal this morning I realized that it had become TOO important to me that I settle me and this family ~ I think God has wanted me to surrender settling to Him. I think that it is all mixed with culture shock, moving back to the US, Tim learning a new job role, relearning how to do community and trying to find a home. We have come through the last 2 years and realized we are different people. We have grown, matured and also have to relearn who we are. God has been faithful and to be really honest I know that He has spared us from something.

I (Tim) have realized just how focused I had become on getting into a house. Partially I think I was looking for some of those settling pieces like Brit but also I think I was hoping it would solve some of our financial situation. I had begun to look to this house (or any house) as an answer to the big question of "what do we do now?" I believe God provides... I have said it before AND I believe it BUT it is always tricky to find that balance between doing all we can to make up for lost support AND waiting on His provision.

So this is where we are...

housing saga

For those of you keeping up with our housing saga... I thought I might include Britany's latest update!

Hey everyone,

Well, yesterday we finally got some amazing news... they accepted our offer!!!!!!!!! Yesterday morning our Realtor called and said that they had another offer and that the other offer on the table was greater than ours. She asked the inevitable question... "did we want to raise ours?" After a quick prayer (and some quick math) we said yes and then waited. Well, about 1 hour later she called and told us that they had chosen us AND at our LOWER offer, AMEN! Both Tim and I were a bit emotional because it finally feels like we can really put down some permanent roots (God willing... as aliens and strangers). It is so much better of a deal and in better shape than the last offer we had in. It is still a BIG fixer upper and a lot needs to be done before we can move in - but we LOVE it! We have an inspection on thursday to make sure all is well with the house, please send up some prayers for that inspection (mostly that they will find the house in good order).

This house is significant for us for a few reasons. First, it moves us closer to the school and closer to many of the families at the school that we have begun to build relationships with (we have already had opportunities to share our faith). Second, it will bring our monthly amount spent on rent WAY down and put us back into a financially stable position (all the while actually BUYING something). Third, it will give us a place to finally unpack all of our boxes with space for everything... praise God!

Well, we have a peace that surpasses so much of our understanding as we look over the past 5 months of surrendering this area to the Lord. He has been incredibly faithful as He has led us the whole way. He saved us from many other properties to prepare us for this one (God willing). I'm so thankful we have a God that looks at all the details, small or big. We can't thank you all enough for your never ending prayers for us. You have stood with us along this entire journey of leaving a home we loved to finding a place for this family to settle.

Many blessings to you all and with thankful hearts,
the McDonald clan

reign in us...

Lamentations 5:19

But you, O LORD, reign forever;your throne endures to all generations.

This morning I led our new little team in worship... It felt pretty amazing... It has been a long time. We only sang one song and spent most of the time in prayer over some scripture and our team in this community BUT it was very moving. The song we sang together was by Starfield - Reign In Us. As we worshiped together I was deeply moved by a couple verses of this song:

So, reign, please reign in us... Come purify our hearts, we need Your touch... Come cleanse us like a flood and send us out... So the world may know You reign, you reign in us.

I was struck by the connection between God's authority as He reigns, our obedience in purification/cleansing and being sent out.

Truly, our purity is a sign of God's authority over us... His reigning. And it is that obedience that shines like a light for the world to see. We don't try to be good so people will applaud us for being good. Or repent for our sin so people will know of our piety... No, we do these things for God... obedience to God, His authority in our lives, His reigning of our hearts... and when people ask, it is He who is our answer.

listening...

(pic by Jon Hall)

As I reflected on the Wesley quote I posted a few days ago I found myself thinking about where we are "at" as a community...

It’s been 32 days since we moved into Golden Hill, San Diego… a couple weeks less for the Yackleys and 1 week more till the Hall family gets here. It is still a little surreal walking the streets and praying for our new neighbors and the Spirit’s work here. Our little inner city neighborhood is home to so many new things for us as a family AND as a team – new sounds, new sights, new challenges, new adventures and new rhythms. This week we began to meet and pray (and walk, and share, and eat and speak) together as a small community AND thus begin the process of listening. We are eager to move into the lives of our neighbors but aware of how much we NEED God’s leading and directing. We are eager to “do”, eager to go, eager to move, just as Wesley calls… but first, we choose to listen. Everything is, after all, new.

God grant us Your ears to hear. Grant us Your eyes to see. Father, place inside of us Your heart for these people. We recognize that You love the people of Golden Hill more than we ever will AND that Your vision for nieucommunities in San Diego is the perfect vision… and that IS the vision we desire. Lead us Lord as we listen to this city, as we listen to our own hearts AND, most importantly, as we listen to You. Help us precious Savior to do all the good we can. By all the means we can. In all the ways we can. In all the places we can. At all the times we can. To all the people we can. As long as You give us breath.

Amen.

Great Wesley Quote

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.

~ John Wesley

This quote came from the little family devotional book we have been doing together every morning... it is a powerful reminder of the nature of our call as followers of Jesus, as a family, as a missional community and as HIS church.

Make this so Lord in our lives. Use us for the sake of Your GREAT Name in San Diego and around Your world. May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done... on this earth, in this city and in our family as it is in heaven.

Amen!

"I am ready!"

Matthew 10:13-15

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

No matter what you think about children becoming Christians or even what the process of becoming a follower of Jesus actually looks like, there is something deep inside that erupts (for a lack of a better word) when your child looks you in the eyes and says, "I am ready!"

Friday morning during our family devotional time we had one of those moments.

McKenzie (completely out of the blue) simply said, "I am ready!" Having walked through this before with the boys I was a little more prepared BUT I still found my eyes watering and my thoughts scattered. After we were done the devotional I talked with her about what she meant by that and she said she was ready to listen to Jesus and follow Him... so we all prayed with her and she asked Him to be her Lord (or boss) and said that she wanted to obey what He said. She said that she was sorry for all the bad things she had done and she thanked Him for paying the price for and forgiving those things. It was a very precious time. We have talked about it a number of times as a family and yet she has never shown any interest till today... today it clicked!

Now, I do have a little skeptic sitting on my shoulder nay saying... can a child really understand... is this because her brothers did it (same skeptic was there with them as well)... is she trying to impress Britany and I... BUT, for the most part, this skeptics voice is drowned out by another voice. It is the voice of scripture that paints a picture of a God who shames the wise by using the foolish... who calls those who follow Him His children... who tells us to come to Him the way of the child... who calls the children to Himself. And I find myself wanting to say McKenzie's words to my Father in heaven...

"I am ready!"

repentance

For any who have read anything by Dutch Sheets OR follow what has been going on in Florida OR have ever wondered to themselves about the Charismatic movement... I would encourage you to read this. It is VERY powerful and has a message that needs to be heard by anyone who would call him/herself a follower of Jesus.

Bless his words Lord I pray... that we might see a new generation of Your followers who are truly committed to living holy lives that produce fruit that lasts FOREVER!

Amen.

on being a dad

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger...

It has been a tough run this summer... after what was the longest stint of homelessness our family has ever experienced I think I can safely say that our emotions have all been worn thin. At least, I guess, that is the excuse I can use for "not being myself". I mean, other than a few seasons early in parenting, I can't think of that many times where I have been "angry dad"... but here I sit. I know, I know... it's the season of life... it's the stress of the move... a new city... a new job. But, none of that seems to change the heaviness I have felt these last couple weeks with my behavior towards these most precious of gifts.

This morning (divinely) I stumbled upon a post written by John Piper over a year ago. It both broke my heart and ministered deeply to me. For those of you who read this BLOG and have kids I would encourage you to take a look.

How often I see in my kids the behaviors, actions and attitudes they see in me. Just yesterday, while walking around the San Diego Zoo, I watched Duncan with his little calculator/day-timer "thingy" (that he wanted so he could be like his dad). He kept checking it every 15mins or so to get the time (or whatever else it does)... why? Well, probably because his dad just got an iphone and finds himself looking at IT every 15mins or so... getting the time and trying to figure out whatever else IT does (I know pretty sad... a blog for another day). The point is, often in my frustration I forget that every moment is a learning moment for a child. Truly I am discipling them to become like me (hopefully - as I am becoming like Christ)... even when I am angry. The sad truth we all know is that the best way to provoke a child to anger is to model it.

I am so thankful for these precious gifts that God has given to Britany and I AND they are the most amazing kids BUT I think it is important sometimes to stop and remember the weight of responsibility that has come with them. God has entrusted Britany and I with 4 "live-in" disciples for a minimum of 18 years each (God willing)... the reality is we won't get it "right" all the time... the truth is we need Him to be both OUR Teacher AND our kids Teacher.

I pray Lord that You would grant Britany and I the courage and strength to BE the people that You want these 4 kids to become.

For the sake of His Kingdom.
Amen

"golden" sounds...

In light of my post from a few days ago I would encourage you to take a look at this BLOG entry at the San Diego Reader... there is beauty in sound.

Even at 4:32 in the morning...

Update from friends

Here is a bit of an update from our friends "weathering" the New Orleans:

We’re good – all in bed.
Mayor’s update included that the city will not open until Thursday. So we add another day here...
We heard from the one neighbor who remained – all good, only small branches from nearby trees; no water; no roof damage; houses secure.
Police out in strength....

God is good
Mike

amidst the storm...

As many of you know there is a serious Hurricane heading toward New Orleans right now. A sister ministry of ours called communitas is located in NO and has had to leave as a result of the storm... many of them are close friends of mine. Would you pray with us for them as they live as a community (with children) in wait of what the storm will do to their homes and neighborhoods? Pray also that God will use this team for His glory amidst the storm.

Thank you!

Dear friends and family,

THANK YOU FOR THE DOZENS of calls, texts and emails. We do so appreciate it. Not an hour has gone by that at least 2 contacts have reached us. Thank you to all of those who want to help and make a difference. There may well be a time for that – we pray not, but we’ll remember. :-) No news has been good news... Here is the latest....

We’re settled at Perdido Key in very Western tip of Florida. We’re safe, and the place we’re staying made it not just cheaper than hotels (we have these get-a-way small holiday houses where we have 18 souls in three small but very comfortable places. We emptied every last item from freezers and refrigerators so have plenty to eat!
We left last night at midnight as planned, but the traffic was still full on. With 3.5 million people moving off the coast, it is expected, but it began Friday afternoon and continued through today, 24 hours a day heading in five directions on multiple interstate freeways! Our normal four hour trip took 9.5 hours. We drove through the night! The place we’re staying let us in early into all three – kept cleaning there late last night to get them ready for us as they knew we were coming. How cool is that!? We were zombies, except for the kids of course! Many of us took naps and will sleep all night. We spent two days not just getting ourselves ready to go (furniture moved up off the floor, rugs rolled, all food removed from cooling, cars filled, checked, etc, but also helping others, like Rona, Ali, our neighbors, etc.
We’re waiting! We can’t do much. We’ve had some time to pray together, we’ll have our weekly coordination meeting tomorrow, which we’ll use for larger picture strategy work, and I have a ton of work to do with me and my laptop here. When we can, we go home!
I (Mike) am supposed to be in New York City Tuesday-Sunday, but expect I’ll be late if I can get out. I can’t go until I know the status of home. It is just wisdom as dad, husband and community (team) leader.
The storm: Moving NW at a screaming pace – fastest I’ve ever seen (18 miles/hour). This means less rain – GREAT! It also weakened instead of getting stronger which was expected. It can actually shift west and be drained by being near the coast. The danger for New Orleans is storm surge as the protection on the west bank of the river is still very much under improvements and not completed. Our danger where we live is if the drain system cannot keep up... Prayers appreciated! :-)
Our greatest opportunities come in the next weeks with the leminal time after such a stressful experience. This has brought up the Katrina PTSD for many and we will have huge opportunity to make progress is why we’re here.
We ALL feel never more resolved than today that we are sent here, and have a contribution from heaven on high. EVEN if we lose our homes – we are all supposed to be here doing this. People with nothing to lose are dangerous! :-)

So, pray for our continued safety, our homes (though they are not our security), our mission, the city’s safety and protection, protection for the cities along the coast (vital to oil/gas production and marine aqua farming and fishing, as well as rice and sugar cane agriculture. We are thankful for the proactive reaction at the city, state and national levels to this threat. This is how it should always be!

No news is good news – we’ll keep you posted!
Mike & the community!

all things new... (2)

I had forgotten how hard it is to start over in a new place.

There are so many things that you have to relearn...

How to set up utilities (much easier than in the UK mind you).
Where to shop for what and where to get the deals (very important in the midst of rocketing inflation).
How to keep your house cool (much harder than in the UK).
Where to get your shots for school (much more expensive than in the UK).
How to deal with the 100 people who want to help you in the MAC store (don't get me started).
New sights, new smells, new tastes (mmm... Mexican food) and new experiences.

New, new, new, new new. The list goes on.

BUT, I would say one of the hardest things has been the new sounds.

We have lived in the city for the past 5 years and have gotten used to all the sounds of "urbanity" - but it is nothing like Golden Hill! We live on a pretty major intersection that has pretty steady traffic with a hospital, fire department and police station just around each corner... so there is a pretty steady sound of cars, sirens and horns. But, all of this is trumped by the sound of the jets that fly over our house all day long (San Diego's airport is right beside the downtown... thus we are in the landing path). There is sound here almost continually and it has been tough to get used to.

It's weird the things that stand out to you... I suppose it will sound like the ocean eventually... right?!

all things new...

Revelation 21:4-6

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new."... And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

So... we have finally landed! After what has been a marathon furlough (almost 10 weeks) we have finally begun the process of settling in. The top pic is of our temporary rental home until we find something more permanent (keep praying for our house search). The second pic is of our street... only a short hop to the center of San Diego! (we've already met most of our next-door-neighbors)

You know those times when you are really in need of some hope... when things feel so far beyond your control... so far out of control... Britany the kids and I are in that place right now. Tired. Overwhelmed by change. Missing our friends in Glasgow like crazy. Missing our church. Missing our neighborhood. Missing "normal". We need some reminding of Who it is that IS in control. It can seem almost cliche in these times to draw on some picture of heaven that feels so far removed and so far beyond where we are...

YET

Right now we are mourning. Right now we are crying. Right now we are feeling pain. And the best way I can describe my heart is as thirsty... I need living water that doesn't cost anything (California is VERY expensive). It's ironic because right now everything IS new and all we can think about is what was... we need to be made new on the inside... re"new"ed I guess.

SO

For any of you who have kept up with us this summer and are still reading this BLOG we could sure use your prayers.

Lord, move in my heart (move in our hearts) make us new inside so that we can be the lights you have called us to. Quench our thirst Lord with Your living water. Revive our focus and our purpose... help us to fix our eyes on You in the midst of our circumstances.

Amen.

holding the ropes...

After hearing an account of the spiritual needs of India, the secretary of the meeting remarked: "There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth. Who will venture to explore it?" "I will venture to go down," said (William) Carey, "but remember that you must hold the ropes."

I have to confess that I wasn't intending to write in my BLOG during our transition from Glasgow to San Diego BUT I have woke up thinking about this so many times I think I need to get it "out of my head" and on to "paper".

I have amazing supporters.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G... amazing!

Family, friends, acquaintance's... churches and companies. They are all such gift's to Britany, the kids and I. I am not sure if anyone who is not a missionary understands exactly how incredible it is to place yourself and your family in the hands of God and His people... and then to see them show up! Thank you Lord. Thank you friends. You have held the rope with courage and faith... with compassion and love. May our Father in heaven bless you for your faithfulness and extend your blessings around the globe.

For the sake of our King.

Support a friend AND a church!

Sooo... just before we left Scotland I had the pleasure (and honor) to be involved in the production of a FANTASTIC EP by Andy Ashworth. I would consider it a personal favor if any of you who read this BLOG would click HERE and purchase a copy (or 2) of his EP. Andy is the worship pastor at RE:hope AND a great friend. By buying these great tunes you will not only support him and his music BUT you will also support RE:hope and it's work that it is doing in the West End of Glasgow... not a bad deal!

BTW - I am the hi pitched fella you hear singing in the background...

Goodbye our friends...

How do you say goodbye to 5 years of ministry, friendship, love and life?

Words fail me.

As we pulled away from the curb of our house at 70 Lauderdale Gardens in Glasgow for the last time AND said goodbye to some of our closest friends and family the lump in my throat and stomach felt like led weights. I found myself thinking... maybe it isn't too late... maybe this is all wrong... maybe we can undo everything... but then a still (but firm) small (but large) voice in my heart and mind said, "no... follow Me." What else can we do. As God leads SO we follow.

If a picture is worth a thousand words maybe these pictures (all taken within a couple weeks of our move) will say it better than I can write...




































We love you all and will miss you... a part of our heart is now with you.

Grace and peace our Scottish friends.

Lead on Lord.

big move a big deal...

Here is our most recent email to our prayer team... BTW, we shipped everything out yesterday... whew!

Dear prayer team,

We need your prayers now more than ever as we shut down life here at home. I took a few minutes to stop from packing our things to bring back to America (which leaves in the morning) and I was flooded with so many different emotions. For those of you who have been praying... thank you so much. Our family is truly doing amazing, I know this is only through the prayers of His people!

We could sure use some prayers in these areas:

1. For our shipping day tomorrow - that it would go as planned and that the cost would not go up from what we were quoted. We truly don't have much but what we are bring back is our most treasured possessions. It does feel weird to put all you have on a boat and hope to see it on the other side!

2. For the kids (especially Duncan) as they say good bye in their own ways to the only home they have known in their little life. This might be the hardest part, watching them wade through the emotions of how to understand the why.

3. For our furlough - in the midst of leaving Scotland we are trying to do a proper furlough. With so many details on our minds and on paper it has been all to much on our brains. Pray that GOD would help us focus as we fund raise, meet with people, host Open Houses, BBQ's and chatting with people about the direction of the McDonald Clan.

The emotions are running high in our house today and I'm sure tomorrow, so thank you for all your prayers they are felt!!!

Much love, McDonald clan

simpler

Mark 10:21

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

It is AMAZING how much stuff we have.

I mean, I consider us a pretty simple family (especially in light of having 4 kids) AND STILL we have given away, thrown away and donated trucks full of stuff. It is remarkable. We moved to Scotland with very little and have bought almost nothing since we have lived here these past 5 years BUT we have accumulated so much stuff... and not all of it is junk! We have given away some really great things that have served us very well for these past 1847 days. And we have recycled and donated loads of toys, dishes, toys, electronics, toys, linens, toys, decorations, toys, clothes and, oh yeah, toys! Till... all we are left with is a single mound (which is currently sitting in our kids room). It's the most precious stuff. Britany's tea set. A couple antique dressers. My bike (which I will definitely start riding when I get to San Diego). Our emac. Pictures, papers, cards and cloth. And, of course, some toys. All of which fits into a 11x5x7 space... still feels like a lot though. And, depending on which of my friends is reading this right now (those in India or those in North America) it may seem like a lot or a little. BUT, one thing I WILL say is that it feels freeing.

I love giving stuff away.

Every time a little more space is created in our household I feel a little more space in our life. Everything just seems simpler. I wonder how often we read verses like the one above and ask oursleves why it is that Jesus puts so many limitations on following Him. I mean, come on... sell everything?!? Surely He is exagerating for effect. Surely He must know how much I need this stuff... Or maybe He knows how much we don't... hmm... makes you wonder.