To Canada and Beyond

When do things ever turn out exactly as planned? Sometimes the best things aren't even planned, like unscripted parts of movies, spontaneous trips to the coast, and even discussions that seep long into the night. So, why plan anything at all? I think it is because dreaming is just as fun and important as spontaneous things. And there's nothing wrong with that.

James came to the United States in January to join me in Colorado to study the Bible in a YWAM (Youth With A Mission) school called a BCC (Bible Core Course). We enjoyed our time and learned more than we thought we would (that always seems to happen when you read the Bible). But then we received an invitation to go to Mexico on a two-month outreach. We prayed about it and we honestly weren't sure what was the "right" thing to do. After our little prayer time, we listened for a bit; sitting in silence to hear what the Lord had to say. And you know what we heard? "Why not." Yes, we both heard something along the lines of, "why not, won't it be fun?" So we went, even though it wasn't part of our plan.

After both of those exciting adventures we drove back to Oregon, and on the way, James proposed! Those next few months before the wedding rolled by so fast and so slow at the same time. We had the plan to get married at one place and we were eager to make the space our own. But things changed, our plans fell through. Of course, there was disappointment, but through that time we learned so much, and our wedding ended up being amazing! The new location was beautiful and worked out almost better in some ways.

The wedding passed and we were blessed with two honeymoons and a wonderful time together. We had planned to pack up and head to Canada just a few weeks after the wedding, but again, things don't go as planned. Due to some health issues that I am struggling with, we have had to wait. Although, one thing that I have learned, and am still learning, is that there is life in the waiting. Life is happening right now, whether we like it or not. We need to continue to come back to Jesus, back to love, back to joy and peace, even when things are hard.

So now that brings us to today, James and I are leaving November 19th to go to Canada! I've actually never been and I am excited to meet the rest of his family. We will be there for the holiday season, and maybe a bit into the new year. After our time there, we are looking at heading to Iceland to be missionaries.

Even though Iceland may not be a third-world country, they need Jesus just as much. There is a darkness there not just physically (during the winter) but spiritually, the atmosphere is heavy.

The plan when we arrive in Iceland is to start almost from scratch. The YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base there was just picking up a year or two before COVID. So right now there is just one couple there. They have a kid and jobs, therefore no schools are being run. James and I are excited to partner with the church that owns the base, the couple that is there and to start bringing more staff to help. We would start by connecting with people but also practical projects around the base. The main building is used as a guesthouse during the tourist season (summertime) and things need a little sprucing up. Projects that need to be worked on are: renovating the bathrooms and pioneering more walking trails through the lovely property. YWAM has tried to build a presence in Iceland a couple of times but none have really stuck around for the long run. James and I don't believe we are the saviors, but we don't want to give up on the people of Iceland and having a base there to shine Jesus' light throughout the island.

In the midst of all this, James and I need to start raising monthly support. And to be honest, asking for money is a difficult thing for me, but throughout these past few years, God has shown me so much provision. I just need to have faith, take that step to put myself out there, and ask.

So, if God has tugged on your heart today to give to my husband and I, we would be delighted to have you a part of our support team. Whether monthly or a one-time donation, we are so blessed with anything you have to offer.

(Click one of the links on the bottom of this page to send your gift)

Now, if you're not in the position to send us money, no worries, put us on your prayer list. Prayers are more powerful than people think.

I will be better at updating you all as things move forward. These are the plans we have for now. We walk in faith that God will direct us and we will share the love of Christ along the way.

Thanks for reading this far and I hope you have a blessed day!!

A snapshot of this summer :)