Journey to the Unknown

When was the last time you set off on a journey into the unknown?

Change of context, culture, language, or habits . . . it can all make you feel a little uneasy. Even for those of us who are used to traveling across cultural and linguistic barriers, there's a feeling of uncertainty.

This next Monday, January 9, Mary Alice and I will leave on a journey into the unknown as we head out to visit our son (Justin) and daughter-in-law (Cici) in China. Beyond the challenges of wide-spread Covid and cultural adaptation, we'll experience the much anticipated privilege of welcoming into the world our eighth grandchild . . . ETA, February 6!

We particularly anticipate this trip since we haven't in person seen our youngest son, Justin, since August of 2019. And we have never personally met his Chinese wife, Cici, or her family.

After arriving in Shanghai on January 11, we'll take a train to Wuhan where Justin and Cici live and work. The celebration of the Chinese New Year will give us nearly two weeks of vacation together before Justin resumes his work at the nearby British/Chinese school.

Part of my time during our stay will be devoted to ongoing preparation for our pastoral training in Africa. Under the auspices of African Pastoral Training, the International Thompson Bible Institute is now represented in 16 African countries! Our planning for 2023 involves the DRC, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, and Niger, to name just a few.

However, the most important part of this adventure into the unknown will be supporting our son and daughter-in-law in the birth of their first child (our eighth grandchild!). Beyond this, we will be listening to the Spirit of God as to how best be a reflection of God's love in Christ Jesus to family members and others around us. DO REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR US!