“God has one of three ways that He answers our prayers”

Travis’ Dad gently reminded us of this during his recent visit from Alberta, Canada. “One is ‘yes’, one is ‘no’, and one is ‘not yet’.” We knew this, of course, but it was good to hear it again. We enjoyed his visit immensely as it usually only comes around once a year and we realize that it very well could be the last one for a while.

Africa Inland Mission has set a new departure date of December 29, 2008 for us. As we anticipate this date and prayerfully seek God’s leading, we cannot help but think, “What will God’s answer be this time?” Our current monthly support is close to 40% of our required $6300. As we hear reports from Rift Valley Academy of staff who are stretched to their limits due to missionaries who are unable to obtain full support to get to the field, we cannot help but wonder why God’s answer has been “not yet”. We so desperately want to be there to help carry their load and yet, for reasons that are hidden from us right now, God has said, “Not yet, Travis and Patti!”

At the risk of sounding incredibly redundant (won’t it be nice to some day hear our stories and adventures from Kenya?!), we wanted you to know that we are still waiting for God’s “yes” and seeking every opportunity possible to share what God is doing in our lives. We spent October 18-20 in the Upper Peninsula here in Michigan, sharing at churches in Bark River and Wallace. The seven hour drive of spotting as many deer as possible was most unusual but exciting for the kids and Levi felt the need to point out EVERY tractor and trailer he saw along the way. We enjoyed time with precious “old” friends and felt so privileged to meet new ones.

The trip to the U.P. was a good trial run to get the kids in shape for our upcoming trip this Thursday (Oct. 30)! After the gang gets home from school we will start our 19 hour (plus bathroom breaks) journey to Mobile, Alabama for a mission’s conference involving five churches from November 1-9. We will have a chance to share our story at a special adoption banquet and we are REALLY excited about that! From Mobile we will head to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to visit with Patti’s Dad’s family who have never met Travis or the kids. Patti is quite excited at the prospect of introducing her family to relatives she hasn’t seen in over 13 years! We’re looking forward to sharing our ministry with them as well. We hope to be back in Michigan by November 13 so that Kylea can celebrate her ninth birthday on the 14th by having breakfast in bed (our family tradition!) in her own room. Then Joshua has his sixth birthday on the 15th!

We have pondered Travis’ Dad’s reminder since he left and cannot help but think of you all and the answers that YOU must be seeking from the Lord daily as well. We all have areas where God has given us a “not yet” when we are fervently praying for a “yes” or a “no.” It’s not always easy to wait on Him and His perfect timing. Please pray with us that every contact we make while we are down south will not only bring glory to God, but that it will ultimately bring us closer to the “yes” that we are so anxiously waiting to receive so that we can be about our Father’s business in Kenya.

We pray for you and thank the Lord for His generosity in giving us so many precious brothers and sisters who are so willing to pray with us and be a vital part of our team.

Road ready & raring to go,

Travis, Patti, Kylea, Joshua, Tia & Levi

P.S. Please feel free to leave comments or notes to us below. We would love to hear from you!