THE START OF AN ADVENTURE

As a family, we finds ourselves at an odd "in-between" place, what William Bridges refers to as the "transitional stage" of change, between the bookends of an "ending" and a "new beginning". As my time on staff at Westside King's Church nears an end, I'm peering into the future without much clarity and direction. I've never been in a place of not knowing what's next. And to be honest, its both a bit anxiety provoking and exciting at the same time.

All I do know at this point, is that I need to create some time and space to patiently digest the last couple years of my life and ministry experience, and get my batteries (physically and emotionally) recharged for whatever lies ahead in our future.

So while we "actively wait" to get clarity on the next step, with nothing holding us here (by that, I mean, employment), and nothing calling us somewhere else (although I've turned down a bunch of great opportunities), we've decided to go on a 5-6 month family sabbatical-adventure.

So we've let our imagination run wild. And we've found ourselves inclined toward Central America, Panama specifically (right at the bottom of Central America, bordering Costa Rica and Columbia). We have good friends (Trent and Jodie Schmuland) who have just spend half a year in Panama with their three kids, and they've encouraged us to go for it.

So we've been researching the possibility of renting a home in David, Panama (in the province of Chiriqui, in the western part of the country, about a 5 hours drive from the capital, Panama City; and about 45 minutes from the Panama-Costa Rica border). As it happens, we also have some friends (John and Rose Wade) who actually spend part of the year living near David, and they have highly recommended this location as a great place to rest and reflect on our future.

As far as the kids go, it looks we'll likely home school them. Sydney will be in Grade 5, and Josh will be in Grade 3 for the 2007-2008 school year. Their school (Glendale Elementary) is quite open to work with us through email and online education to ensure the kids don't miss a step academically. And of course, we'll try to shape all of their learning around the environment we'll find ourselves in, and we'll take the opportunity for us all to try to learn a little Spanish (no doubt, Linda and Sydney will pick it up quickly. Pray for Josh and I).

Things are quite dynamic right now. Nothing is nailed down. So we'll keep you posted as things unfold.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Paul