So, I can’t wait to post some pictures of my dad in a long skirt, but it will have to be in a couple of weeks, because as of today, my parents are off on a God-ordained adventure for which they have been praying about for over 12 years!!!!! My mom and dad are headed to Hawaii and Fiji, and though the destinations are glorious, the business is serious. (*FYI: my parents DRIVE everywhere b/c flying isn’t their favorite, and my dad has never been a fan of leaving the good old U S of A)
My folks have had single moms on their hearts for years and have desired to build communities for them where their children can be safe and the moms provided with quality jobs to provide for their families. Well, through a series of jaw-dropping, “wow-God” events, my mom and dad, in their early 60’s, are setting off to meet up with some contacts through Youth With A Mission (YWAM, Kona base) and some friends in Fiji of our dear friends here in Denver. They are going to pray and see what God has in store, as there are many battered women and single moms in Fiji.
I can’t remember the name of the skirts the men wear there, but I’m looking forward to seeing my 6’5″ dad in one, whatever they are called! Poor thing has been surrounded by us girls all his life and when God finally calls him overseas, it’s to a nation where the men wear skirts, too! The closest we ever got our dad to ’embracing any femininity’ was painting his gigantic toes while he napped on the couch one afternoon…anyway…
I’m so excited to hear and see what God has in store, not only for my folks in this, but our friends who have entrusted my parents with their vision for ministry in Fiji, and for us, as well. You see, I’ve dreamed of Fiji for years, but always as a vacation destination. Selfishly, I never gave much thought to the people of the nation. Next year on June 26th, Jason and I will celebrate our 15 year anniversary. We have been planning on going to Fiji for years and since Noah died, have decided we want to integrate ministry into our vacations. We also didn’t want to go that far without Emily, so hopefully my parents will be in Fiji during that time, as well. So, unless Jesus returns before our departure, in one year from tomorrow, we’ll be on a missions/anniversary celebration in Fiji, and my husband will be wearing a skirt!
Please pray along with us that the Holy Spirit would lead everyone involved, that my parents would have peace in their hearts as they are in His will, and that no plans or schemes of the enemy would prosper. God’s in charge and I can’t wait to see what He has in store!
21 Responses
Adrienne,
A very close friend of mine spent over a year working with YWAM in Hawaii… I can’t wait to tell her about your post. She has always had a heart and a love for that mission and from what I’ve heard, your parents will be in for one blessing after another amidst the challenges.
They will be covered in prayer from this end for sure! God Bless!
Meghan
Happy Anniversary!!!
Colette
cluckow@msn.com
I Will be praying for your parents. What an awesome GOD opportunity for them.
If the skirts are called the same thing in Fiji as they are in Bali, then it would be a ‘sarong’.
Oh, I should add that ‘sarang’, which has a similar pronunciation, means ‘love’ in Korean.
PRAYER REQUEST:
For my 11 year old nephew Robbie who suffered 1st degree burns last night on his face, ears, arms and legs. Bad accident that could’ve been a lot worse. Please pray for his healing and for relief from his pain.
Thank you!!
-Annalisa
Praying for your parents on their journey to do God’s work and show His love to those women.
Happy Anniversary to you and Jason!
Annalisa,
Robbie is in my prayers today.
Wow, that is so awesome! Mission ministry is a high calling, and it will be so cool to see where God leads your parents. On a side note-happy anniversary to you and Jason!!! 🙂
Jenny
Hi there, prayers are with your parents as they embark on this amazing journey! I am in Hawaii, but on the Oahu… the sarongs are called “pareos” or “lava lavas”.. hopefully, he won’t have to wear one! I know my dad wouldn’t look too good in one!
Charlotte
Thinking about you today…happy anniversary!
Chris Krebsbach
That is amazing! Its thrilling to watch my parents, and their friends, fulfill life-long dreams now that we’re all out of the house. I’m anxious to hear how the trip goes…
Wow what a great oppurtunity. I will pray for them.
Happy Anniversary to you and Jason. 15 years and counting!
Annalisa,
I will pray for your nephew. God bless him.
Andrienne,
Happy Anniversary to you!! I hope you and Jason have a wonderful celebration!
Very cool. 🙂
Happy Anniversary to you all today!
Keep us posted on your parents journey – how exciting!
I too have a friend who headed to Hawaii this week (Oahu). Her husband was restationed (Army) and they will be there 3 years. It sounds like he will be getting deployed to Iraq within a couple months. Keep them, and their two young boys, in your prayers.
My nephew is doing well. He actually showered yesterday and today they go back for a follow up to treat the blisters. I told him he still looks cute… even if his eyebrows are missing!! Luckily he has a great sense of humor. I really appreciate everyone’s prayers – it really makes a difference.
-Annalisa
My husband and I celebrated our 8th anniversary yesterday (26th)..
I will keep your parents in my prayers.
Melony
Adrienne, I have been reading your blog for about a month now, and I want to thank you for helping me to remember just who to thank for every glorious day I spend on earth … even if it hasn’t been such a good day.
Thank you for opening your heart to me and the world.
That is SO awesome about your parents working with YWAM and going to Kona and Fiji! My husband Erik spent his DTS time for YWAM at the Kona base for 3 months and then went off to Japan for his short term ministry. Interesting that your parents will be going to Hawaii so soon…as we are too! We’ll be on Oahu & Kauai, but Erik will take a 3 day side trip by himself to “the big island.” He will be going purposely to visit the YWAM base for a day and then hiking Kilauea! I wonder if their paths will cross? When will your parents be there? If you want to email me and let me know, cool, otherwise no biggie. I will pray for your parents as they embark on this journey. And how AWESOME for you and Jason to go to Fiji next year. I also like the idea of doing missions along with your trips. That’s way cool. Blessings…Melody
singermelody@hotmail.com
oh, and of course, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
hello my name is akira johnson im 14 years old and i want you to no i will pray for you and noah and your family every night before i go to sleep i hope noah get better sooon ***
God will bless you tonight and from her on alright then
god bless you
love/always akira johnson
Ade-
Well, as you know I’m a bit biased and very stoked about this trip for your parents! 🙂 and wanted you to know that if you ever want to take one of those ministry/vacation trips…you’re always welcome in my house in Asia! (well, I guess it would be more ministry than vacation!)
That’s awesome! I will be praying for your parents and especially for turbulence-free flights. I flew there many years ago direct from L.A. (10.5 hrs!) so I’m glad they’ll break it up by going to Hawaii. Two of my favorite destinations, but I only did the vacation-thing. This is very inspiring…to incorporate mission work into vacations in the future. To be freshed physically and spiritually.
Happy Anniversary!
Love and miss,
Clara (will be living in L.A. 8/1, so I’ll be in touch!!)