June/July Update

Ministry Update:

Well, as unbelievable as it sounds, it is that time again when all of CRM gathers to do our once every 4 year World Wide Conference - It is hard to fathom that it has been 4 years since our last conference in Santa Barbra, CA... so much has changed since then! Though I now spend more of my time working with The Berean Way, we are still employed by CRM and work with them as opportunity allows. The conference this year will be taking place in Langkawi, Malaysia and will be a time of reconnect with our old team-mates and friends as well as networking, training and equipping. In addition, we will be traveling back through Taiwan to see and visit with some dear friends, supporters and team-mates in the Berean way.

Since returning from Israel (and prior to our departure to Langkawi) I have been doing some consulting and teaching in the areas of discipleship and mission. I would appreciate your prayers as God opens up these opportunities; that I would speak with wisdom, that I would choose those opportunities that are inline with our mission and that more opportunities would come. Also, I have been continuing to solidify and work on our upcoming trips this fall to Uganda, Canada and Nepal. I would appreciate your prayers as I recruit for these trips AND as I sort out balancing family, trips and school this Sept - Nov.

grace and peace,
Tim


Family update:

Hi everyone, just wanted to give you all a brief update on how the family is doing.

We will start with the youngest, Hallie. She has just turned 5 this June and will start half time kindergarten in the fall (not sure I'm ready for full day yet!!!) For one year I will have all four in one school, I'm super excited for that. Hallie is still our independent child that could take on the world herself and come out with a smile! She has a real love for life and she brings so much fun and joy to our clan. She had her tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in this last April and never shed a tear (tough chick). God continues to remind me how blessed I am to raise these children of mine and truly how fast this season will go.

McKenzie our third child is still our total sweetheart! She just finished 2nd grade and did super well. She is our painter, drawer and loves to write books. McKenzie's favorite thing to do is have tea!! She truly is our Scottish girl at heart!!! McKenzie is 7 and 1/2 but feels like she is wanting to turn 13. I continue to remind her that make up and fancy hair can wait a few years!!!

Celtin has had a fabulous year in his new school. He is our one that likes stability and routine, so now that life has settle a little he is doing really well. Celtin will enter 4th grade this coming fall and can't wait to hear who his teacher will be. He loves to hang with his dad and brother. He hikes, fishes and enjoys playing with their new friends across the street.

Duncan is the oldest and just turned 10 ~ WOW where did the years go!!! He is a wonderful big brother and has the softest heart around. He has made leaps and bounds in school this year, we are so proud of him. We think with all the moving that he has finally caught up to where he should be for schooling in the US. Praise the Lord!

This has been a big year for me as well with defining my role as a mother and my fit in ministry. I've really limited the ministries I'm involved in to be full time mum. I'm still mentoring young ladies, volunteering in our school, ministering along Tim as needed, but the big ministry I'm doing is called Hearts at Home. I have such a heart for young mom's and this is once a month time of refreshment, encouragement from seasoned moms and wonderful fellowship. All to say I'm so glad that the Lord has been refining me to where my gifts are and where he wants me to serve.

Just to update on my health: I've done wonderful here in Oregon. OK, I've had a tiny bit of symptoms but over all I'm feeling amazing! We also had an extra mold check done on the house which turned up negative (which is good) and then with the fire they recovered every square corner of the house. So the house could not be any better then as if it was new. God continues to provide every step of the way.

Thank you for all your continued prayers,
Britany and the clan

April/May Update + India!

Hey everyone!

To say that the past couple months have been crazy would be a complete understatement! Between traveling to India, having a house fire, living out of suitcases (while moving from house to hotel to apartment to house again), traveling to Canada, "re" moving back into our house (we are still in boxes), writing finals, Hallie's tonsillectomy and preparing to leave to Israel in 2 weeks, there has hardly been time to think... thank you for your patience (and prayers) as we get our feet under ourselves again!

This past weekend The Berean Way held it's first annual silent auction to raise money to reach and train barefoot pastors in the most unreached areas of Northern India. It was an amazing event that exceeded expectations. The evening was filled with bidding, laughter and fellowship while Jeff was able to communicate the need and vision for India. Britany was even able to dress up in a sari as she acted as one of the hostesses for the evening... it was a lot of fun AND its impact will be felt in India in the days ahead.


Just a couple of weeks ago we were able to move back into our house... it has been SO good to be back home. For those who may have missed the story or the specific updates on our house fire they are posted on our blog HERE. Our house looks amazing... we are so thankful to the Jeff and Brian Bohrer at Cornerstone Construction for going way beyond the call of duty and doing it so quickly. It feels good to be back in our neighborhood and we are looking forward to how God is going to use this experience and this house for His glory!


Just over a month ago Brit the kids and I packed up our van and headed up to Canada for a solid week of connecting with the Lethbridge Evangelical Free Church (the supporting church we grew up in), supporters, friends and family... it was 1600mile whirlwind! We had a very good time reconnecting with our supporters and telling them about our vision and direction. We left very excited about future partnerships and old friendships. It is always a joy to be home.


It feels like our trip to India was ages ago. Though I know most of you kept up with our trip on the Berean Way BLOG (if you didn't I would encourage you to look) I wanted to let you know what an impact full time it was. The conference times were fantastic but the spiritual warfare was intense. God had us in the enemies domain yet we experienced His power, strength and support every step of the way. As one of the local Indian missionary/pastors explained, "when I was in South India I saw myself as standing at the gates of hell, breaking down the doors, running in and rescuing the lost and hurting... now that I live in North India I see my self as having moved into hell, grabbing as many as I can and pushing them out the gates." Another pastor told us that we were the first to do any sort of training in the area and that they couldn't even get other Indians to come to their area... it is a very dark place.


BUT!!!


God is doing amazing things! Men, women, children turning to Himself, the fountain of living water for LIFE. God has amazing things for India in a time when the doors have never been so open. Truly the harvest is ready and the work is great... THANK YOU for you part in making this ministry happen. Your prayers, financial support and encouragement have been so appreciated. May God bless you as you have been a blessing to us!

grace and peace friends,
Tim

pictures AND prayers

Well, after the last few updates ALL the requests have been for more pictures SO, in light of our busy schedules I thought I might share some pictures and some prayer requests!



October is a big month for birthdays and this year we were able to have a party with old friends and family... it was great fun! Celtin and McKenzie were able to eat their share of the cake though!!


Once again the McDonald clan has found the local zoo... not quite as close as the one in San Diego BUT with all the beauty that comes with the Northwest!



We were due for a new family pic and Chase makes seven... why don't we just call this shot, "The Trouble Makers!"




The past month has been a whirlwind that started with a miracle. A little over a month ago we decided that, if God would make it happen, we would like to have Sam and his family come from India to connect with supporters and communicate a clearer picture of the work being done by The Berean Way in India. We prayed like crazy and God did what seemed impossible... He pulled together a passport, three visas and several thousand dollars in less than a month to make it happen! It was a powerful and beneficial time for us as an organization as board members, supporters and key leaders were able to meet Sam and his family. On their 3 week trip we were able to sort through some of the next steps in India AND give Sam's family faces for the names of supporters and prayer warriors. Praise God for this time.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1 - Pray for Britany as she is traveling for the next 15 days (but who's counting). She is participating in the final training experience with the Women Of Influence in Austria this week. Pray especially for her travel - as many of you know Britany HATES to fly and she has 8 legs to her journey! She will not only be participating but also sharing her story and would appreciate your prayers as she shares. Pray also for me... I will be Mr. Mom alone for the first 5 days until MY mom comes and helps... thank you mom!

2 - Pray for me as I prepare and teach over the next few weeks. I will be teaching at a STM conference on the 24th in Portland (leadership/discipleship), doing leadership training on the 28th-5th in Glasgow AND again at a youth pastor conference in Portland on the 7th. It has been a pretty incredible fall... I prayed that God would open doors and they seem to keep opening.

3 - Pray also for me tomorrow (Oct 18th)... I have my first midterm in over 10 years and I am a bit nervous - its for Greek!

Thank you SO much for all your support and prayers!
Blessings,
The McDonald clan

and so it begins... again!

An update from Britany.


Hey everyone... Well, our transition to Portland has been nothing short of amazing. Everywhere we turn the Lord opens another door for putting down roots. As you can see from our faces our first day of school was filled with smiles (as where last year 4 out of 6 of us were crying as we left each other). Can you also see all those green trees around us... Tim and I have officially decided that we love the cooler, wetter climates. Yes I do know the rain has yet to start in Oregon, so I will let you all know soon how it is going.

Well after 8 years out of the housing market we are "back in the game", thanks to our friend Dave Hopkins. It took a lot of hunting to find a house that was close to work (Jeff & Erin), not too big, with a yard, a place for Tim to finally have an office, on the cheaper side but not a total fixer upper (still not the right season for that) and 200 years of history... o.k., I guess we had to compromise on something! We love our semi fixer upper and could not have gotten all the pieces to fit if the Lord had not led the way. What a wonderful God we serve who knows the perfect spot to place his children. So the cleaning begins... as you can see we have all pitched in!


So we begin setting up ministry life again, although God continues to blow us out of the water. Tim has had one connection after another come along his path. He has had several opportunities to speak/teach and more to come, just what loves to do. He is also developing all the materials for the discipleship training that The Berean Way will be doing. Tim has also started school again after years of the Lord prompting him to get more training. He is taking the slow track to getting his MDiv to be more equipped to teach/disciple people all over the world. Some of the most exciting recent news is that Sam Apollos and his family are here in America as of today for a few weeks. Sam is the director for the Berean Way in India and we are so excited to see all that God is going to do while Sam and his family are here. If you meet them and hear their story your life will be changed and blessed at the same time.

Where am I in all this? Well, I'm doing what I do best which is to get everyone settled. As Tim wrote back in January I pulled back from the daily job of missions because our family needed it. So with a lot of prayer I'm going to get involved in Mom's in touch, volunteering at our kids school, being apart of the team that hosts Berean Way events and volunteering to teach a 3's class for Womens Bible study at our church. I'm thrilled for this season ahead as God really has lead me to these places of service. I have also had the privilege of finishing up a training piece for 18 of us women in CRM. Some of the seasoned leadership women have taken on passing their "nuggets of wisdom" to us younger ladies ~ what a honor it has been to be poured into by these amazing women. Please be praying for our last time together starting October 17th -23rd.

Well, as you can see, we have begun to settle and a new season of life for the McDonald Clan has begun.We would love to hear from you when you have the chance. Many thanks for all your words of encouragement, prayers and financial support! You are amazing.

blessings,
Britany and the McDonald clan

home...

Kinda feels like we were just here...

Over the course of the last couple weeks we have been undoing what we have spent the last 8 months doing... creating a home. All the pictures, plates and papers that we brought out to make our "temporary" place feel like home are going back in the boxes they came in. We've got piles of boxes all over the house (and in the garage) and our home is beginning to get that rental feel again.

Home... it feels a bit like a surreal idea to us. Partially, it feels like we are moving home OR at least closer to it. We are so excited to move back to Portland and have in fact (God willing) bought a house... a home. Not only closer to friends, we are also closer to Canada and family - there is a lot of excitement in our home right now. On the other hand, it feels like we are leaving what we have known for the past 8 years (the family of NieuCommunities) and trudging off into a new unknown... kind of like leaving home. There are so many things that feel unknown, unfamiliar... it is a strange tension.

This morning I was reading in Acts 2 where Peter was speaking to the crowd and he refers back to a passage from Psalm 16 that goes like this:

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

I love the hope of this verse... the promise of REAL home. It was a powerful encouragement to a discouraged King David, the incredible motivation that got Jesus through the cross and a picture of God's best for each and every one of us. A picture that we, the McDonald clan, need right now as we walk through this next transition.

The Details:

Now that CRM has given us the "green light", we will be moving to Portland July 10th to begin working with The Berean Way (Check out their webpage if you haven't already). Jeff has just recently returned from India where he had an amazing time of connecting with Pastors there - I would encourage you to read about it here. We are so excited but in need of your prayers as we try to get everything done before our move date.

A part of what we are looking at doing with The Berean Way is the development of the discipleship base for the trips. We desire not only to go to India (and the nations) to teach, equip and duplicate, but to do it with increasing excellence, boldness and power in our local communities and churches. To allow our experiences with our couragous brothers and sisters in Christ around the world to shape us... transform us... unite us. As Paul puts it in his amazing letter to Titus, that we would be like Jesus, "...bringing [HIS] salvation for all people, training... to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

Friends... we are that people... we are His possession... it is time to be a part of awakening that zeal!

Please be praying for us as we move... especially for Duncan, Celtin, McKenzie and Hallie.

Special thanks to Peter Schrock for the photo's!

Our little ballerina

pray for us... May 1/09

Colossians 4:2-3

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us...

A number of you have asked how you can be praying for us through these next few months. Well, I'm GLAD you asked! Please be praying for these four big things:

First, for all the details of another transition. Having just walked through an international move it kind of feels like this should be WAY easier but there are still so many pieces it is overwhelming. Please pray for wisdom as we navigate our children through this move... new school, friends and community... again!

Second, for leaving well. Though we have only been in San Diego for a short spell this team has been our family for much longer. Please pray for good goodbyes. Also be praying for us as we navigate releasing our work here and beginning our new work in Portland. It is vital that we honor both ministries in this time.

Third, for our home search. Once again we are looking for a house to move into... but we are praying all the same prayers. We are looking to be close to the school, close to our team(Jeff and Erin), and with the "right" price tag. This is big for us because we are trying VERY hard to get our monthly expenses down AND we are hopeful because it is a buyers market (as you all know).

Fourth, for our finances. So much has changed in the last year with the economy and the shift in the dollar that we are in the place of most missionaries (and non-missionaries for that matter) - trying to make every penny count. Please continue to hold our finances up to God as you think of us... we are confident in His provision!

Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragement. Our strength is truly renewed as we call upon the Lord together with you our friends and family. We have so much to be thankful for... including all of you!

grace and peace,
Tim

The latest!

^{Matthew 28:5-10}

...the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell...

Where does the time go?

It seems like it was only yesterday that we were enjoying Christmas with a house full of family and yet here we are with Easter now officially behind us! Because we enjoyed our service with our community on Good Friday and The Rock on Saturday night, we were able to spend Sunday as a family hiking in the hills around San Diego... we spent time praying and imagining that the hills we were walking were just like those Jesus and His followers walked those many centuries ago. I pray you all had a AMAZING Easter together with those you love!

The passage in Matthew is an amazing (if not confusing) piece of scripture. Earthquakes, angelic beings rolling away stones, terrified guards passed out on the ground and... misinformation?! Have you ever wondered why the angels (messengers from God) would tell the women that Jesus would meet them with the disciples when Jesus himself KNEW that He would see them on the path? Did the angels have the wrong update in their iphones?

I have a theory... Jesus couldn't wait.

So excited to see those that he cared about... those He knew were afraid and confused... he rewrote the plan. Does that effect God's sovereignty? No, not if He knew he was going to do it in the first place. But isn't that missleading... Once again, No, because God loves to grab each and every moment to teach us how love works.

Britany and I have been in a season of Jesus rewriting plans. It has been difficult and confusing AND just like the women in the story we have experienced some fear... and joy. BUT, that IS the process of life and understanding the mission that Jesus calls us to.

Would you PLEASE be praying for us as we walk through big questions. It is our goal in the next week to give more details... but for now, pray for wisdom, the Spirits guidance and increased faith.

Thank you all!

Road Trip

Hi friends,

As many of you know our community occasionally does short term experiences and invites friends and potential apprentices to join us for an experience. We call these times Road Trips. Recently we had one of those experiences. This time though we were able to spend a portion of our "Road Trip" actually ON a road trip to Ensenada Mexico. SO, Duncan, Celtin, McKenzie and I were able to spend the weekend working at an orphanage and talking with another community down there doing many of the same things... it was pretty cool! There are some great pictures and thoughts about it on the NC San Diego blog.

Check it out!

kids + Passion story = great questions!

Matthew 27:32-54

As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, they offered him wine to drink, mixed with "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, of God!" "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Questions from today's reading:

Why was Jesus so tired?

Why didn't Jesus drink? How would he have drank from a stick?

What was Jesus a King over? What did He conquer? What does "conquer" mean?

How dark was it? Like night? What could they see?

Was Jesus allowed to say "My God"? Why did he feel alone? Why was he sad? Where did God go? How did God turn away?

Was the curtain as big as our house? Did God use scissors?

Was John there? Did the disciples die too? Was Moses there? (Not sure where this one came from... there was also some chatter about cutting peoples ears off.)

blessed to bless...

Genesis 28:14

...and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

As I was reading through this promise made to Jacob (and those before him) in Genesis 28 I was struck by the idea of being a family that blesses families. Yeah, I know this promise was for the nation that would become Israel but I couldn't help but see the reality of their circumstance and the opportunity that lay before them... an opportunity that Christ holds before us everyday.

In Titus 2 we see this shocking statement... really more of a calling... an opportunity to be a people of blessing - "...a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." I wonder what would happen if we all embraced this calling to be a blessing?

I am a VERY blessed man.

I have four children who are amazing... who often know how to love people better than me. They are not perfect but in their eyes I see God's love on a regular basis.

I also have an amazing wife who knows how to make people feel comfortable, cared for and loved while asking the tough questions without flinching. She is the love of my life and God's greatest earthly gift to me.

So I ask myself how are we, the McDonald family, moving more wholeheartedly towards this calling of being a family of blessing? How am I to move from blessed to a being a blessing... zealous for good works?

Lord lead us on. We desire to be Your family that blesses all the families of the earth... that is zealous for good works. Anytime. Anyplace. Any cost. Amen.

a song in my head

You know how you get a song stuck in your head sometimes and you can't get it out. Or you hear a tune and you are not sure who wrote it but you've got the tune and the words from the chorus stuck in your brain...

da, du, da... JESUS IS cool, da, da, You are awesome... yeah...

:)

This fall I had this song in my head that I could not figure out. I had heard it a few times on the radio and had not been able to sit down and just find out who the artist was. It really resonated with my heart and where we as a family have been in this last season.

Well, wouldn't you know it, I got this email from my sister-in-law (thanks Erin) and she sent me to this YouTube link that had "A song for you!". As soon as I heard it I recognized it. This song, in her words, "has helped give me the words on how to pray for you both. Kinda weird I know!"

The song is What Ever You're Doing by Sanctus Real ... the same song I had been thinking about this fall. Hmmm. If you think about it we would appreciate your prayers and this song is a pretty good place to start!

grace and peace friends.

my dog Chase

So, I recently realized that many of you who keep up with us through our blog haven't met the newest member of the McDonald clan. This is Chase, our ten month old chocolate lab - who's personality is a complete fit for our family! Chase is like most lab's his age; curious, destructive, fun, hyper, and LOVES affection. He has not only become our newest little trouble maker but also my running partner... which has been interesting.

I was sharing this with our community yesterday in the park as we gathered for a time of community worship. Specifically, several weeks ago I was running with Chase when he decided that he was REALLY interested in a smell on the other side of the sidewalk... right in front of me... right in front of Starbucks. Of course he failed to tell me or my legs of his plans and I did an almost complete flip over his leash... did I mention that I was in front of Startbucks? It was very entertaining for all the patrons...

Puppies are so cute...

communities of faith

It is amazing to me the broad spectrum of faith communities we cross through on any given day.

Sunday I counted five.

1st - Of course, there is the team of people we have come to "do life" with here in Golden Hill. It is small and curious. We have be spending a lot of time listening and looking for what God is saying to us and calling us to say... community here is learning and exploring.

2nd - We have been attending a GIGANTIC church in the mornings called The Rock pastored by Miles McPherson. No matter your thoughts on "mega" churches this one definitely stands out. Both with its passion for God and His Words AND its desire to transform the San Diego landscape... community here is moving and hopeful.

3rd - This particular Sunday we attended a service put on by another missional community called the Ecclesia Collective. It is a collection of communities seeking common ground and committed to pursuing the Kingdom objectives in action... community here is seeking and protesting.

4th - At this service I bumped into some of the other missionaries with CRM (our organisation) doing other things in and around the greater San Diego area. There is SO much uniqueness in each of these missionaries call and work as they equip leaders for Christ's body around the world... community here is global and developing.

5th - And as the evening went on I had the opportunity to go forward with Duncan and take communion with him... father and son. I was deeply aware in the moment as I was kneeling on the floor in front of him of the deep spiritual communion I share with my son... a community of two... or in my case 6! It is VERY precious to me... community here is deeply connected and full of what could be.

Bless these communities Lord in Your name... Amen.

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!

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

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

"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!"

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

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.