Of Weaving and Leaving

As we prepare to come home, our minds are flooded and filled with the myriad of experience, interactions, excursions, and living the life of Americans in Croatia, with an additional twist. And the twist is on us. Probably everyone of us came with expectations and dreams of what this week would be like, and most assuradly, very few of us have encountered the experience we expected. This process is so extraordinarily deep, so life changing that it will take a while to process, and a while to share with each of you, our individual journeys.

What can be shared in the brevity of a blog is that nine people shared nine days of their lives together, with many incredibly grace filled, God inspired people, who themselves have a heart of obedience to Jesus Christ. There is no other way to understand the heart of a ministry to a people than to visit and walk in the shoes of the called, even if only for a very, very brief time.

The complexities of life, living, and laughing and, yes crying are all part of the tapestry that is the journey. We have been the threads attached to the shuttle cock of the Master's loom. Examine it too close and you will not see the beauty of this part of the weave He has put in the tapestry, but understand that in time, all it's beauty, all its vibrant colors will remain as a testimony of the trip of a lifetime. Not because of the beautiful place our Lord has brought us to, not because of the wonderful hosts and leaders of His cause here, but because we each have allowed ourselves to be woven into this glorious part of His tapestry.

It is my belief that this blog will not end here. Neigh, it is just the start of what should prove to be a longer, more complete tapestry. Rest assured. Nine people have walked the sands of Croatian beaches, the cobbles of Croatian streets and walkways. Nine people have visited coffee shops, ate in restaurants, helped in English classes, walked and stood where believers were slaughtered as entertainment, visited with other believers, and worked with all their hearts as unto the Lord. And it is becuase He is faithful, He will reap the harvest of those He chooses to call. Our prayers are for the nation of Croatia, that hope will rise up in the hearts of its people. Not an empty hope, but one of eternal benefit, eternal peace.

Surely God is doing His great work here. Surely His glory shines on these people. We have seen it for ourselves, now being woven with them. While we are leaving, no one can take away the weaving God has worked into His tapestry for His glory.