The Most Incredible Journey

Thirty years ago I began my career as a journalism major at a midwestern college.  My goal was to become a magazine reporter and see the world.  I couldn't imagine ever veering from that goal.  Then something happened that forever changed my life and I embarked on the most incredible journey!

I gave my heart and life to the Lord Jesus and felt to move in a new direction.  I married my high school sweetheart and together we began to serve the Lord.  Our life was hard but our needs were always met.   There were always new challenges to meet and much to overcome.  We began our lovely family of seven children. 

I believe the greatest job in the world is to be a parent.  I remember those days of sleepless nights, endless diapers , financial worries etc. thinking that one day the children would grow up and life would be easier.  I realize now that your job as a parent never ends!  Just recently my daughter Joy was in Africa volunteering at an orphanage when she contracted malaria.  She was deathly ill and we had no contact for five days.  I was nearly frantic with worry and spent much time on my knees!  She did recover and returned safely to the U.S.

I could tell endless stories of my children's escapades through the years and I hope to share those in future articles.  There is such joy in raising a family but also much heartache.  That saying that children "step on your toes when they are small and on your heart when they are older"  is certainly true. 

We moved to a farm in the country when our first three daughters were three, four and five.  I began raising goats and found them to be the most enjoyable pets.  I have had goats for 21 years now and still love them. 

My husband started his own tool and die business which has been a great blessing to us.  We were able to start doing missionary work with extra funds generated from his company.  We have been overseas to third world countries five times now and look forward to going again.  This is a whole new topic to write about!  If you have never been to a poverty stricken country you simply can't fathom all that it entails.

Through the years I have experienced some very great trials including: a bone graft, a tragic fire, a horrific car accident and more recently some serious health issues.  I have learned as a parent and especially as a christian that we truly can endure things when the situation is very bleak.  When you face great hardship, all pretense is stripped away and you find out what truly matters in this life. 

My husband was called to the ministry about eight years ago and is pastoring a church close by.  Our four oldest daughters are out on their own and we are very proud of their accomplishments.  We still have three left at home ages 13, 15 and 17.  As the journey continues we are striving to be our best in all that we are asked to do.

My new goal is to become a freelance writer and share my wealth of experience with those who need hope and courage to press on.

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