The Northcutt 8

What a journey!

2012-02-15T02:11:00.000-06:00

Amsterdam airport

Amsterdam Airport

I have arrived in England but not without a few hiccups. After a little while of sitting at the airport I got a phone call from Delta telling me that the plane has been delayed. I went up to the ticket agent and found out that it was due to some mechanical problems. After a little while longer I received another call saying that the plane had been delayed again and that they were re-booking me on another flight. So, I went to the ticket agent to sort it out. he booked me on a flight and I then changed gates to catch this new flight. The winter storm was fast approaching and by the time I was on the plane the storm was right over us. We taxied away from the gate and had to wait on the tarmac until the plane was de-iced. It took over an hour for this to happen, which subsequently caused me to miss my connecting flight in Atlanta. Delta re-booked me again on a later flight with another lay over in Amsterdam. I went to another ticket agent to see if I could get another direct flight to Manchester. The agent told me that there is only one flight that goes out per day and it wasn't scheduled to go out until the following afternoon, which would have put me into England a whole day later. I decided to keep the flight they re-booked me on and go to Amsterdam, so now I can say that I have been to Holland. If I hadn't taken this flight, it would have messed up my train ride in England also. So I took the 10:50 flight out of Atlanta, had a few hour lay over in Amsterdam and arrived in England safely. Found my way onto the train and made it to my destination.

Packing again...

2012-02-09T22:23:00.000-06:00

I am off on another project. This time, England! At this point, the project is not coming together like it should. As of Monday this week, the folks at WEC still do not have the drawings from the architect. Once they receive the drawings it has to be submitted to the City Council for approval.

There is still other work to be done. So, if we can't get this project together, there will be another project for me to do. I may just have to make another trip to accomplish this original project that they really need done now.

I am taking the camera. So, keep watching for updates on the work.

Gary

Kingdom work....

2011-12-20T12:10:00.000-06:00

I received a call yesterday asking me to put together a team of guys to come and do the project in Leeds, England for WEC International. They now have a deadline to complete the work which is the end of March. I am looking at February, if any of you men are interested in going with me just click here and let me know. There will be plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, plastering, painting, cabinet and countertop work to be done.

Gary

As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death - we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise God-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow Him, or it may be a death like Luther's, who had to leave the monastery and go out into the world.... Jesus' summons to the rich young man was calling him to die, because only the man who is dead to his own will can follow Christ. In fact, every command of Jesus is a call to die, with all our affections and lusts.... Every day [the Christian] encounters new temptations, and every day he must suffer anew for Jesus Christ's sake. The wounds and scars he receives in the fray are living tokens of this participation in the cross of his Lord. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Are we all to 'GO'?

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-06:00

Almost immediately upon arriving in Japan I was handed a book to read titled 'Radical' by David Platt, which I highly recommend that everyone read. I have been wanting to talk about this book here on the blog, as well as, I have wanted to expand on the topic I was talking about at the end of my last post 'Japan', but have not been able to get my words together to do so. My Pastor brought a sermon before the church on this topic this past Sunday in which he handled this subject far better than I could have ever done, so I have embedded it below. Please take the time to listen and ponder on what God is saying to His church through His Word.

Gary

Japan

2011-11-28T22:33:00.001-06:00

Well, where do I start? I guess I will start by telling you about the dedications of the houses after we finished the work. For 2 weeks we had a team of 5 with 1 translator who also worked with us. On the 3rd week we were joined by a 6th team member who stayed with us for the remainder of the time. We were able to finish 4 houses and had dedications for 3 (they could not get the dedication set up for the 1st house that we completed before we had to leave). The last 2 dedications took place Saturday which was an incredible way to finish our time in Japan. These last 2 homeowners were next door to each other, so the dedications were done together. The Pastor in the area that Samaritan's Purse has helped to get established and finish a place to meet, does all of the dedication ceremonies for them. The ceremonies starts with the singing of Hymns and spiritual songs and then proceeds into a sermon in which the Pastor explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can see a change in the expressions of the homeowners during this time when Pastor Suzuki gets to the part of their sin. He does not tip toe around any part of the Gospel, he hits it head on. I was very pleased when I heard how Pastor Suzuki handles this during the ceremony. In the first one that we were a part of the ceremony was not translated for us. We felt this was good because it was for the benefit of the homeowner and translating can take away from the moment. We did not want anything to hinder the Gospel message from reaching these people. Pastor Suzuki told them that their gods have done nothing for them but that our God, The living God, Creator of Heaven and earth, has sent us, the workers, they are called by our God to come here to rebuild your houses for you. This is how much God loves you.

I have not heard of any homeowners who have openly confessed Jesus as Savior but the seed has been planted. There is interest (some seems to be very close) as some are now attending the Church services. Please pray with me that the seeds planted will lead to a bountiful harvest by the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

The "Honor/Shame" is ingrained so deep in Japanese culture that there are 30,000 suicides that happen each year just because of shame that has come to them or their families for whatever reason. This number is expected to go up because of this disaster. In fact, I heard about a recent suicide that took place because a man had lost everything. He was living in temporary housing with no job and no way of supporting himself through the winter, so he thought it was better to end his life.

It has taken a while for Samaritan's Purse to break into the community. In this "Honor/Shame" Culture it is unheard of to be given something for free. So when Samaritan's Purse told the homeowners that they would pay to rebuild their homes, the homeowners didn't believe it. Even so, there have been some who have said yes to this offer and have found the offer to be true. These who took that leap are now telling their neighbors that the offer is true. The camp that I was at is up to 47 houses completed as of the time that I left. Their hope is to complete over 100 houses at that camp. They have 2 other camps that are working on houses in other communities, as well.

Samaritan's Purse is only allowed to be in the country for 1 year. This is up on March 10, 2012. They should complete the 300 total houses that they have set as their goal by this deadline. This is just a drop in the bucket, though, compared to the amount of rebuilding that needs to be done. It will take years for Japan to rebuild. One of the issues that they have is that the land has drop 120 centimeters (almost 4ft) because of the earthquake. Because of this, they have no idea what effect the tide will have on these areas at different times of the year. This is putting a hold on some of the rebuilding of the infrastructure that was totally destroyed.

This trip has really shown me that it truly takes the whole Body of Christ, the Church, to make disciples. We have been a part of taking the gospel to these people by working with our hands. This disaster has opened doors for the Gospel to go forth in a way that it hasn't before. The barriers of the Japanese people are coming down. God is changing the hearts of these people. I am so glad that I went. This is what God tells us to do. We, the Church, are commanded to "GO" and make disciples. We are all supposed to be working to spread God's fame to all the nations. This is to be our focus. Jesus says that the fields are white for harvest but the workers are few. This is true, I have seen it. I have seen missionaries struggling to do all that is on their plate and not doing the very thing they have been sent to the field to do because they have to pull back and do the support work that someone else in the Body is supposed to be doing for them. But these support people are sitting at home waiting for a special calling or concerned about putting food on the table for their family. God has said "GO"! The question is are you going to be obedient? Jesus says, "if you love me you will obey me." We don't have to have all the answers. God has all of the answers, we just need to trust Him with those and do as He commands us to do.

Gary

Made it

2011-11-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

It was a long day of travel but I made it home. I slept well last night and now waiting for my french toast for breakfast. I can't believe that I have been around the world. It is so amazing to think that just yesterday I was about 6000 miles from home. Its certainly good to be home!

Gary

On my way home...

2011-11-20T06:58:00.003-06:00

It has been a great trip! I am now in Tokyo after my first leg of the journey. We will fly out tomorrow at 2:45 PM Japan time and arriving in Saint Louis at 4:05 PM CST. I wish it was that quick to fly back but we have about 20 hours of traveling to do tomorrow.

This is one of the bullet trains we rode to Tokyo in. This one was speeding by us at break neck speed. They travel at about 180 MPH or so. They are very smooth and comfortable to ride in. I took a nap on the way.

We saw some beautiful country side with mountains as we sped along.

As well as city landscape.

I promise I will be posting more on this trip. I have to get to the other side of this journey. I have so much to tell all of you. I can't keep it all in. I have to get Michelle to help me write it all. So keep watching for more.

Gary

Worth the trip...

2011-11-13T06:28:00.000-06:00

I went to my first church service in Japan this afternoon which was also their first Sunday meeting in their building. This is significant because it is the first church planted in the area.

The first Steppin'-Out team worked on the building they are now holding services in. Our team was able to go to their first meeting. I feel privileged to be apart of the work going on here. Pastor Suzuki has been a tremendous instrument in this rebuilding process. His house was the first one to be rebuilt by Samaritan's Purse in the area. He has been a part of every house dedication that Samaritan's Purse has done with the homeowners, building rapport with them.

Pastor Suzuki started his sermon by telling us about a person in the community that had lost everything in the Tsunami and has recently committed suicide because they had no way of providing for themselves with the winter coming on. So this person thought that they would be better off no longer on this earth. Then he turned to 1 Peter 5:7; cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

There were probably 5-6 homeowners present at this service. This is significant because up until recently they worshiped other gods. We are bringing the light of Jesus Christ to Japan by rebuilding these precious people's houses. In an honor/shame culture (which is what Japan has), to open your hands and be given anything goes against everything they believe in. It brings shame to their family and their name. Now the barriers are being broken down by Samaritan's Purse by GIVING them a house completely rebuilt.

I met a team of Brother's and Sister's from Malaysia and Singapore that are with Samaritan's Purse. They are staying at the church while helping with the rebuilding process.

I have had a good time here in Japan. I am glad I came. This is our last week. We are finishing our 3rd house (which I will tell you about later) and plan to finish a 4th house as well this week ( I will tell you about this one later too).

Please pray that God will keep us strong so that we can finish strong by bringing glory to His name.

We will travel to Tokyo next Sunday and fly out next Monday and arrive in Saint Louis on Monday as well but it will be Tuesday in Japan. The only way 1 day can be more than 24 hours.

Gary

Our second house

2011-11-06T09:36:00.000-06:00

Well, we are on to our second house. It is larger than the first. This house belongs to a single mother who lost her husband 4 or 5 years ago. We have not met her yet. Her Father has been there almost every day. He brings us soda and snacks for lunch and provides us water to wash our hands at lunch and the end of the work day. A very nice man. He brought his wife with him Saturday and was planning to tell us his story of what he went through during the Tsunami but our interpreter decided not to go to work with us. So now that is supposed to take place on Monday.

We were thinking that this house would take us the rest of our stay to complete but because we are no longer repairing the siding and the work on the inside is going so smoothly we are now looking at this Tuesday as completion day for what we are suppose to do.

We have dried in the house by wrapping the hole in the exterior walls with tarps

Rebuilt part of the floor

that was destroyed by a tree that came through the house.

Insulated the floors and walls.

Installed new subfloor

and now hanging drywall but don't have picture of that.

In every Japanese house you will find what my work team calls a cubby hole where they put their gods. This is a picture of the hole.

We also had a chance to see a ceremony take place across the street from the job this week in which they had to try to appeased the gods before they could build on the land. They had a truck sitting in the way but you can get the idea.

This picture is after they left still with all the decoration up and a pile of dirt on the ground.

So far it has been a good trip. I have been here 2 weeks now and we have accomplished much work. They leaders are hunting for another house for us to do that we will be able to finish before we leave. Our crew has been working great together - like we have worked together for years. This is an answer to my prayer. Thank you Lord!

Gary

Our first house...

2011-11-03T07:06:00.000-05:00

Picture taken by Billy Jackson

We have completed the work we are supposed to do on our first house. House construction in Japan is very different to what we are familiar with in the States. They build in a post and beam type of construction. The floor joists are 2"x2"s and the walls are 1"x3"s. I don't know how it holds anything up but it does. Actually, the weight of the house is supported on the post and beams but the floor joists are mind boggling.

It has been a good time working on the house. It is very satisfying to see a job completed. This is one of the very first houses that was mudded out back in August. The owners have been living there in the second floor only since then. They are very happy to see work being done. You have to understand that Samaritan's Purse approached these owners back in June and told them that they would rebuild their house for free. These folks have been asking themselves if this could really be true. It has been a blessing to have been a part of that rebuilding effort.

More important than the opportunity to rebuild is the opportunity we have had to share Christ with the homeowner. Today, John our team leader, took the opportunity to do just that. We pray that the Lord will take the seed planted and bring about a harvest in the home in which we worked.

Tomorrow we start on the next home - one in which the damage is major and where we will probably spend the rest of our time while in Japan. Please continue to pray for safety and unity for our team, ability to work well and accomplish much on this new house and most importantly, for the salvation of the Japanese people.

Thanks

Gary

A Trip to the North

2011-10-30T07:15:00.000-05:00

We took a trip today up north where another base camp is located which took us through some of the worst parts of the areas affected by the Tsunami. The destruction that has come to this part of the world is the worst I have seen. They have cleaned a lot of it up already but there is enough still there that we could tell some of the destruction. I will leave you with some pictures of what I saw.

Gary

In Japan

2011-10-25T16:59:00.001-05:00

We got to Tokyo last night after a 13 hour flight up over Canada, Alaska, Russia and Siberia. That was a lot of snow. I don't have my camera out yet, so no pictures to show. I will see what I can do today.

We are 14 hours ahead of Central Standard time in the U.S. We have another 6 hour journey to make today to get to our base camp, so on I go. Breakfast first!

Gary

Plans Changed...

2011-10-03T23:02:00.006-05:00

I received an email last week from some people we met at church. They have a ministry much like mine and they were recruiting for another project. After postponing the England project and filling out my paperwork to join the next team, I will be leaving October 24th for Japan returning November 21. Yes that's right, a month long trip. I will be going with Stepping-Out Missions who are working with Samaritan's Purse on this project.

Background Information

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off the east coast of Japan. As a result of the earthquake a deadly tsunami was triggered that caused numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive damage along a 310 mile stretch of coast line.

“A total of 196,559 buildings were destroyed or damaged. Around 27,000 people were killed. More than 460,000 were made homeless and sought refuge in shelters. This included 150,000 in Miyagi Prefecture, 47,000 in Iwate Prefecture and 130,000 in Fukushima Prefecture. In the first three days after the disaster Japan’s Self Defense Forces (the Japanese military) rescued 66,000 people, many of them stranded on hilltops, rooftops and among debris. Because reaching them by land was so difficult many had to wait to be retrieved by helicopter, which could carry only a few people at a time. Thousands of others evacuated their homes due to the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.”(“Facts and Figures” article on Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.)

In addition over 14, 000 were listed as missing and are presumed dead. The debris created by the tsunami in the northeast region is equivalent to the refuse generated by the entire country in a quarter of a century. This disaster is the greatest challenge the country has had to face in the past 65 years.

Samaritan’s Purse’s Response in Japan

Immediate Response

• 93 tons of emergency supplies were airlifted from North America immediately after the earthquake/tsunami.

• A Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was deployed to Sendai, the closest major city to the disaster zone.

• During the first five weeks emergency supplies were distributed to those in need through a large number of churches, Christian organizations, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and individuals. In addition to the imported supplies a large quantity of materials were purchased in-country for distribution.

• Mudout kits and 11 small trucks were given to local churches and pastors who were engaged in volunteer supported clean up operations.

Continued Response

• On June 20 the Rebuilding/Repair project was launched. This project will see the coordination of the International and National teams working to assist homeowners living in damaged residences. The goal is to complete as many as 300 homes prior to the winter season which begins in December. The focus of the operation is to conduct mudouts, rebuild and repair the main floor of homes inundated by the tsunami, provide beneficiary support as requested and to share the Gospel with all those encountered.

Prayer:

• Pray for the team of men that I will be working with that we will be united in one spirit and ready to work together to accomplish as much as we can.

• Pray for the Japanese people who we will be helping, that they will trust Jesus Christ as their savior.

• Pray for my wife and kids as I leave them for a month. It will be just as hard for me as it will be for them. I hate leaving them but the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is way too important for me not to go. I am honored that God would allow me to be a part of the work He is doing in this world.

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." John 4:34-38

I will keep you all posted as best I can on the progress of the work while I am there but internet access will be limited so I will post about the work when I get back home.

Gary

Next Project

2011-09-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

Well, the next project will be taking me back to Leeds, England for a couple of weeks in November. The project is renovating an apartment on campus at WEC International's North facility. It consists of putting in a new bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, moving a doorway, electrical, plumbing and painting.

The purpose for this apartment is to better accommodate those coming in for training or staying long term. It will be a 1 bedroom self-contained apartment for a single person or a couple.

I spent a year at this facility as a Maintenance Supervisor. When I left, there were Managers who were looking after the property and a New Maintenance Supervisor who took over for me. Early this year the Maintenance Supervisor had to leave do to personal reasons and in July the Property Managers left for Regional Directors position in Africa. Two leaders from Ministries located at the premises have added the role of Property Management to their already full schedule. They normally have German volunteers who come for a year to help with the care of the facility, But because they have no Managers or Maintenance Supervisor they have decided to suspend the volunteers for this year which leaves them without anyone who can take care of maintenance and renovations that are badly needed. I heard about this situation in August and started praying about it. The more I prayed, the more my heart became burdened to help. I sent an email to the interim Management team on September 3 asking if they would be interested in my help. They replied recently asking if we could do this project for them.

We are working on other possible places for next year, as well. I just turned down a month long trip to Japan this last weekend with Joel Corley at Stepping Out Missions which would have meant leaving this Monday.

Gary

A New Ministry...

2011-09-22T01:00:00.010-05:00

A new Ministry is born! After many years with this idea in my mind and much prayer, I believe the Lord has brought clarity to the direction of this ministry and what we will be doing next.

So, what is this ministry?
It is a Construction/Repair Ministry.

What is the name of the ministry?
To Be A Blessing

Why this name?
In the same way as God told Abram; I will bless you ....... so that you will be a blessing to the nations (Gen.12:2-4), so also, we want to be a blessing to the Body of Christ, who are aggressively advancing the Kingdom of God. We seek to be a blessing of support to those who are gifted in preaching and teaching by using the talents God has given us in construction/repair so that those who don't have the Gospel may join us in the reward of Heaven.

Who will we help?
Those who are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ which includes: Missionaries, Mission Organizations, Churches, Pastors, Evangelists, Orphanages etc.

Where will we go?
All over the world!

How do you put in your requests?
If you agree with our Statement of Faith, then follow this link or using the "Contact Us" tab above. Enter your information and we will get back with you.

So, How can you get involved?
Well, there are 3 ways you can get involved.

Go

Do you have construction talents: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting etc.?
Would you be a good laborer?
How about a helper? Can you hold the other end of a piece of wood?

If you have some abilities and can agree to our Statement of Faith, then Contact Us to let us know that you are interested in helping and we will get back to you to let you know what projects we are working on. You just might be with us on our next project somewhere in the world!

Pray
Join us in praying for the Gospel work. Subscribe to our email alerts and we will send the prayer request via email.

Give
Contact Us and we will provide you with a way to give to the work.

The Next Project?
I have been to Haiti twice this year as a start to this ministry; once in May, posts here and here, and then again in August.

So, Now what project is the next? Well, you will just have to wait until the next post.

Gary

Street Evangelizing

2011-09-16T23:24:00.000-05:00

A couple of weekends ago the boys and I went with a few others into the City to do some street evangelizing/preaching on the corner of a busy street. It is quite interesting to see how the people responded. Some rejected the tracts completely, some took them and then threw them away but only a few wanted to actually talk about the Gospel. To see how many tracts got into the hands of people simply because a child gave it to them over an adult was astonishing. The boys loved it! They were even putting them on cars in parking lots at the stores we went to later.

When someone started preaching on the corner, the people would avoid us completely by crossing the street before they even got to us, some were agitated, looking for the light to change so that could walk across the road, and some would stop to talk. The amount of tracts that were handed out went down during the preaching. Daniel told me that some would ask, is this piece of paper talking about the same thing that guy is talking about? When Daniel would answer "Yes", the people would reject it and walk on.

They have no idea what they are rejecting. They walk on as if everything is just fine, all the while, their eternal security hangs in the balance. The wrath of God is upon them and they stand rejected by Him for their disobedience to His law. They reject the very One who can bring security - Jesus Christ. He can reunite them with their creator, God and give them life -eternal life with Him in Heaven. He is the ONLY One who has the answer to our disobedience to God's law, which is Christ and His redemption.

Gary

Another trip to Haiti

2011-09-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

Port au Prince

Haiti is a country that has been through a lot. 2 mass exodus' in the 1960's, in which the educated people - teachers, professors, etc., were invited to countries like S. Africa and Canada. It has been ravaged by crime, corruption and the latest, an earthquake, well over a year ago now.

Immigration

Trash dump just outside the guest house

There is a lot of work still needing to be done because of this earthquake. It is truly unbelievable the kind of conditions the Haitians live in.

More Trash

Largest Tent City

You and I would be appalled if we had to live anything remotely close to the way they live. In fact, we would not stand for it, we would be rioting and rushing Washington's front doors.

Mayor's home in Port au Prince - completed after earthquake

Water that cannot be drank because it carries deadly diseases, electric that is only on for a few hours a day, roads that completely destroy a car's suspension in a matter of a few months, trash everywhere, farm animals that run the streets freely, prices that make it virtually impossible to buy anything, government corruption that leaves the people paralyzed and so on and so on. This is not some remote location in the country; this is Port au Prince, the capital city in the country.

Cow grazing in dump just outside guest house

Daniel and I got back Monday August 29th from another trip to Haiti.

Daniel and Mr. Brown

We were able to get 2 cars running again for Dottie Diehl, a missionary.

One for her personally and the other for the school. We were there only a week and it took the whole week to complete the task. Everytime we turned around we had more issues to deal with and more parts that were needed. Mr. Nickson had to do lot of running for parts and tools - some he never did find, so, we improvised to make things work.

We worked on a 1996 Chevy Blazer and a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. When we started with the Rodeo it was not running at all. We thought the fuel pump was problem but I found that it was working so I replaced the fuel regulator with the new one I took down with me. First car running, Praise the Lord! After bolting the gas tank back in, though, the fuse for the fuel pump blew and the engine would not start, again. I disconnected the fuel pump and found that I had a short there. This means I had to drop the gas tank out of the car to check the pump. When I got the tank out I found that someone had spliced the wires inside the tank and didn't completely cover the wires, so it was shorting against the metal bracket holding the pump. I repaired that connection and several others that I found under the rear of the car. Once I completed that car, by about mid week, I turned to the Blazer. I needed to check the fuel pressure to the engine to make sure we had the proper fuel pressure. We went out looking for a gauge and had one man at an Auto Parts store promise us that he would have us one the next morning - he never did get it for us. I decided to replace the fuel regulator first, instead of the fuel pump because it had a 3/4 tank of gas in it, but this meant I had to remove the upper intake manifold from the engine, though. I was able to get the manifold off the engine and replaced the fuel regulator and then I had to wait for Mr. Nickson to find some gasket maker for me so that I could seal it down on the engine again.

The Market

Once I had the gasket maker I put the engine back together and then tried to start it. Suddenly the engine just stopped and would not crank anymore. I thought maybe the battery was low, again, since we had had battery problems all week, so I connected the charger to it. After a while I realized the charger wasn't working - found a broken wire. So I decided to jump the Blazer with the Isuzu. Still the engine wouldn't crank. By this time it was getting late, so we decided to quit for the night. As I was laying in bed, praying, I realized some gas had spilled out when I pulled the regulator off and I thought it might have gone down into the cylinders - Pistons cannot compress a liquid. The next morning, Saturday, I tried to start the engine again - same thing - it still won't crank. I decided to pull the spark plug out of the rear cylinders to let the gas out but I needed a longer extension for my socket wrench - Mr. Nickson went out looking for an extension. He returned with the extension and I got the plug out. As I turned the plug out the gas just started pouring out of the cylinder. I put the plug back in and tightened it up and tried to crank the engine, same thing happened again. I decided to pull the throttle body off the manifold and found that something was leaking, Ugh. This means I have to pull the manifold back off again, Oh GREAT! Having used a gasket maker to seal it on to the engine it wasn't coming back off again very easy. I worked at it for quite a while and was able to get it off. I found that the regulator had slipped out of place when I re-installed the manifold and gas was pouring out everytime the fuel pump ran. As I pulled the manifold off the second time an O-ring broke on the injector unit. So Mr. Nickson went looking for a new O-ring. He came back a couple hours later with 5 different O-rings. One of them worked, Praise the Lord! I put it all back together, pulled the spark plugs to drain the cylinders again and a spark plug wire broke, Oh No! I can't believe this. Nickson went out, again, late in the afternoon on Saturday. (You have to know that everything closes early in Haiti) He came back with a new set of plug wires but they didn't work -they're for a Mitsubishi. (This is the way they repair things, just find a part that might work. They don't go by Make, Model and Engine.) I got anxious and decided to start the engine anyway. We had to jump start it again because Daniel left a light on inside the car. It took a little bit to prime the fuel system but then it started and is running good. Mr. Nickson never did find a spark plug wire. Dottie asked a guest coming in from the US to bring one in for her.

There had been much prayer the whole week and our GREAT God and provider heard and answered our prayer. Thank you Lord!

On Sunday we did get to go to Hope, Faith and Love Infant rescue, run by Dorothy Pierce, to see the kids and to help out a little. They currently have 25 children - 10 of those are HIV positive. At this time their only washing machine is rusted out and they have no back up batteries for power. With city power only on for a few hours a day this makes it tough to live and care for these children properly. This is one of 4 orphanages that I know of within a 5 minute walk of the Dottie's Guest house where we stayed.

Please pray for a washing machine and batteries for their backup power system.

Gary

Repairing the vacuum cleaner


Bread shop on the side of the road.


A manhole cover in the street still missing 3 months later.

Men working on a car in the middle of a street.

US Embassy complete with a pool!

One of many tire repair shops on the corner of a road.

A lot of garbage on the side of the street!

Presidential palace destroyed in the earthquake.

Tent City across street from Presidential palace.

Leaving Fenton

2011-09-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

So how is God working in our lives? After 16 years of making our home at First Baptist Church of Fenton growing, learning, and being prepared for service, we believe God is moving us on to be a part of another local Church.

We weren't unhappy at Fenton or looking for another church so let me explain how this came about. Back in June we went to a Homeschool conference where I met a man who was getting ready to go to the mission field. He told me about his church and how they have at least 8 people preparing to go to the mission field. This is a large amount considering the church only has a membership of 128. A few days later Michelle looked at the church's website and told me that a missionary (who we know and have been praying for) was going to be there to speak at their Men's fellowship. I told her that I wanted to go to hear how his work is going but would be more comfortable if we visited on a Sunday and got to know a couple of people instead of just turning up at the breakfast. When we visited that Sunday we discovered that due to scheduling conflicts the missionary was not going to be at the Men's fellowship but he would be there for the Sunday service the following week. I told Michelle we have to come back next Sunday to see Him - it had been at least 3 years since I had seen him. He had no idea that I was going to be there and I enjoyed surprising him.

So, why does this lead us to move our membership? By our second visit to the church God was stirring our hearts for the work He is doing there (don't take this to mean that He is not working at our church) by showing us how He has been preparing us to be a part of that work. We left that Sunday saying to one another, what is God doing? What does all of this mean? What is He wanting us to do? We spent time praying about it - seeking Him for understanding and wisdom. After some weeks of prayer we knew what He was asking us to do - to move our membership, leave the people we love, to step out of our comfort zone again and follow Him.

This is hard! We have to make new friends, get to know new people. I personally hate this, in most cases I am quiet and I find conversation with new people very difficult because I just don't know how to talk to someone I don't know. I know it shouldn't be this hard but for me it is. In some situations I get extremely tongue tied because I just don't think fast enough as to what to say. I have been noticing it a lot lately. In these cases I end up not saying anything and walking away feeling inadequate and will continue to think about the situation for quite a while afterwards.

So, we are leaving First Baptist Church of Fenton for the next adventure of our lives. We are being obedient to our Father in Heaven "to go". This doesn't mean that we won't see many of you, we will. We are not leaving Saint Louis. We will continue to be in contact with you but we have to follow as we believe the Lord is leading.

In Christ,
Gary

Next post will be pictures of our trip to Haiti last week

Sorry!

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

We said in February I'm back but have only posted about 5 time since then. Sorry! We do want to keep going with the blog but we need something we can write about. We feel life in general is not enough, we want to show how God is at work. Well, God has been at work in our lives. We are waiting upon Him until we actually know what it is He is calling us to do - we are not sure of this completely. We will post something tomorrow to explain one step that God has had us take recently. Stay tuned!

Gary

A Missionary Call

2011-07-10T15:41:00.000-05:00

Robert E. Speer

What constitutes a missionary call? It is a good sign that men ask this question. First, because it suggests that they think of the missionary enterprise as singularly related to the will of God. Second, because it indicates that they believe their lives are owned by a Person who has a right to direct them and whose call they must await.
But when we have said these two things, I think we have said everything that can be said in favor of the question because, far too often, it is asked for thoroughly un-Christian reasons.
For instance, Christians will pursue a profession here in the United States having demanded far less positive assurance that this is God's will than it is for them to go out into the mission field. But by what right do they make such distinctions? Christianity contends that the whole of life and all services are to be consecrated; no man should dare to do anything but the will of God. And before he adopts a course of action, a man should know nothing less nor more than that it is God's will for him to pursue it.
If men are going to draw lines of division between different kinds of service, what preposterous reasoning leads them to think that it requires less divine sanction for a man to spend his life easily among Christians than it requires for him to go out as a missionary to the heathen? If men are to have special calls for anything, they ought to have special calls to go about their own business, to have a nice time all their lives, to choose the soft places, to make money, and to gratify their own ambitions.
How can any honest Christian say he must have a special call not to do that sort of thing? How can he say that, unless he gets some specific call of God to preach the Gospel to the heathen, he has a perfect right to spend his life lining his pockets with money? Is it not absurd to suggest that a special call is necessary to become a missionary, but no call is required to gratify his own will or personal ambitions?
There is a general obligation resting upon Christians to see that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached to the world. You and I need no special call to apply that general call of God to our lives. We do need a special call to exempt us from its application to our lives. In other words, every one of us stands under a presumptive obligation to give his life to the world unless we have some special exemption.
This whole business of asking for special calls to missionary work does violence to the Bible. There is the command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." We say, "That means other people." There is the promise, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." We say, "That means me." We must have a special divine indication that we fall under the command; we do not ask any special divine indication that we fall under the blessing. By what right do we draw this line of distinction between the obligations of Christianity and its privileges? By what right to we accept the privileges as applying to every Christian and relegate its obligations to the conscience of the few?
It does violence to the ordinary canons of common sense and honest judgment. We do not think of ordering other areas of our lives on this basis. I think ex-president Patton of Princeton was representing the situation accurately when he used the following illustration. He said, "Imagine I was employed by the owner of a vineyard to gather grapes in his vineyard. The general instructions were that as many grapes as possible should be gathered. I went down to the gate of the vineyard and found the area around the walls well plucked and the ground covered with pickers. Yet away off in the distance no pickers at all are in sight and the vines are loaded to the ground. Would I need a special visit and order from the owner of the vineyard to instruct me as to my duty?"
If I were standing by the bank of a stream, and some little children were drowning, I would not need any officer of the law to come along and serve on me some legal paper commanding me under such and such a penalty to rescue those children. I should despise myself if I should stand there with the possibility of saving those little lives, waiting until, by some legal proceeding, I was personally designated to rescue them!
Why do we apply, in a matter of infinitely more consequence, principles that we would loathe and abhor if anybody should suggest that we should apply them in the practical affairs of our daily life? Listen for a moment to the wail of the hungry world. Feel for one hour its sufferings. Sympathize for one moment with its woes. And then regard it just as you would regard human want in your neighbor, or the want that you meet as you pass down the street, or anywhere in life.
There is something wonderfully misleading, full of hallucination and delusion in this business of missionary calls. With many of us it is not a missionary call at all that we are looking for; it is a shove. There are a great many of us who would never hear a call if it came. Somebody must come and coerce us before we will go into missionary work.
Every one of us rests under a sort of general obligation to give life and time and possession to the evangelization of the souls everywhere that have never heard of Jesus Christ. And we are bound to go, unless we can offer some sure ground of exemption which we could with a clear conscience present to Jesus Christ and be sure of His approval upon it. "Well," you ask, "do you mean, then, that I should take my life in my own hands?" No! That is precisely what I am protesting against! That is exactly what we have done. We have taken our lives in our own hands and proposed to go our own way unless God compels us to go some other way. What I ask is that, until God reveals to us some special, individual path on either side, we should give our lives over into Jesus' hands to go in that path which He has clearly marked out before His church.
I want to say one last thing.
I think love will hear calls where the loveless heart will not know that they are sounding. If there were a hundred little children crying, a mother would be able to pick out the voices of her own - especially if they were voices of pain and suffering.
There is a mighty keenness in the ears of love, and I wonder, after all, whether that may not explain a great deal that one is perplexed over in this matter of a special missionary call. Is it possible that, in many cases, it is just a matter of a callused heart, a reluctant will, or a sealed mind?
God so loved the world that He gave. It was need in the world plus love in God that constituted a call for Jesus. Do we need more than what sufficed for Him? If they were our own, would we hesitate and hold back?
Let us lay aside all double-dealing, all moral subterfuge, all those shuffling evasions by which the Devil is attempting to persuade us to escape from our duty, and let us get up like men and look at it and do it.
Students are old enough to decide to do their duty. They are old enough to decide to go to college. They are old enough to decide for law and medicine and other professions. They are old enough, too, to decide this question. God forbid that we should try to hide from solemn consideration of our vital duty behind any kind of pretext.

Working at an Orphanage in Port au Prince

2011-05-20T23:10:00.002-05:00

Gary spent his afternoon working at Faith Hope Love Infant Rescue in Port au Prince. He fixed several things around the orphanage, but probably the most important was the dryer. Can you imagine caring for 26 children and not having a working dryer. The director was very excited when Gary managed to get it running again.

Tomorrow he gets to experience a trip to the hardware store to pick up supplies which will enable him to fix more around the orphanage, school and guest house.

Thank you for your prayers for him. The Lord is keeping well and has allowed him to accomplish much in the last two days.

Michelle

Haiti

2011-05-19T10:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Gary traveled to Haiti.

His purpose is to use the construction/maintenance talents that God has given him to help the body of Christ who are actively sharing the gospel with others.

During this visit most of his time will be spent working at a guest house for missionaries who need a safe place to stay while in the city. The owner has a list of projects for him which, among other things, includes installing a water heater and trouble shooting an electrical problem.

We would appreciate your prayers for him and the work he is doing. Please pray that the Lord would allow him to accomplish much during this week. Also, that the Lord would guide him as he looks for places/opportunities where he (and others) may be able to serve in the future.

Thanks

Michelle

Nicholas to the Rescue

2011-04-06T09:24:00.001-05:00

I looked out of the kitchen window to see Nicholas hanging from a tree. I went out to see what he was up to and discovered he was being Naomi's hero. She had let her balloon go and Nicholas wanted to retrieve it for her.

As he got closer to the top, my mother's heart was crying out to 'be careful' and 'come back down, it's not worth getting hurt just for a balloon', but ... I was able to keep silent and let my boy act like a young man and do something heroic for his sister.

Thankfully, the mission was successful. The balloon was rescued, Nicholas was safe and he became a hero in his sister's eyes.

Looking Back

2011-03-07T22:45:00.001-06:00

I have spent some time over the last few weeks reflecting on the events of 2010 and am amazed at the journey the Lord has taken us on. So many valleys and mountains we have climbed but the Lord has led all the way.

We began last year living in Leeds, England working with WEC International, yet eagerly anticipating our move to Zambia, which was planned for March. Through the challenges of planning another international move we had the excitement of knowing that the Lord wanted us to move to Zambia to work with just a few of the thousands of orphans in that country. We saw Him move mountains to get us there and gently lead us when we arrived, only to realize after a few short weeks that due to lies and possible corruption we were unable to continue with our partner in the ministry. Without this partner we couldn't stay in Zambia. The pain was deep as I grieved over the death of the dream and listened to our children cry as they too dealt with the pain of leaving many desperate children behind.

Upon our return to England I had the joy of surprising my sister as I appeared on her doorstep, while she thought I was still in Zambia. The look of surprise on her face - priceless.

We struggled through the next few weeks as we sought the Lord as to His direction for our lives. We had the opportunity to remain in England, return to the States or try to return to Africa. Wherever we looked we found the door to Africa closed and we knew our decision was between England and America. After much prayer we were led by God to return to the States, the reason being that in this country we can adopt again - and that is truly the desire of our hearts.

But our return would not be easy as I had to apply for my residency permit to be reinstated. We applied and waited.

During our wait I had the joy of seeing my 92 year old grandmother just days before she passed away in May, and visit my 98 year old grandmother (who passed away just a few weeks ago). I also treasure the time I was able to spend with my parents, brother and sister and their families and have many great memories.

Then came the almost unbearable challenge of seeing Gary, Daniel and Nicholas board the plane. God in His goodness didn't let us know ahead of time that our separation would have been as long as it was, otherwise I don't know if I could have said goodbye.

The separation was long and hard, but as I reflect I see the Lord's goodness to us. He sustained, protected us and gave us wonderful opportunities to teach our children what it meant to trust in the Lord, especially when life doesn't seem to make sense.

I have experienced the discipline of the Lord as we tried so much to hurry the process to get us home only to have the Lord delay the process as we weren't waiting on Him.

I have experienced the incredible peace that passes all understanding, when I traveled to London for my final interview KNOWING that the Lord was with me. Then I felt the wrenching bitter sweet emotions as I left my parents and siblings again, yet eagerly anticipating my reunion with my husband and sons.

I have watched the Lord bring my visa earlier than expected and see Him work out the details so that just 40 hours after it arrived we were on a plane headed for Chicago and back in St Louis in time for the girls to sing "Nothing is impossible with God"

I have relaxed in the arms of my husband's embrace after 4 months apart and have learned to appreciate him and our family even more.

I have seen the Lord, provide abundantly for our needs. We returned to this country with nothing but our suitcases and an additional 150 cubic foot of items we shipped, yet I sit in a home that is fully furnished. We have asked nobody for anything, but the Lord has been gracious and through the body of Christ He has provided all we have needed.

The biggest lesson I have learned from this past year, I think, is to just wait on the Lord. I know that sounds so easy, and I still struggle with it because I'm not very patient, BUT I have seen Him at work and know that He will make my paths straight, if I just wait on Him. Not always will the direction make sense to me, but His ways are always right and in His footsteps I will continue to walk.

Michelle

Christian Beliefs Harmful to Children!!!!

2011-03-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

Monday was a very sad day for Christians and foster children in Britain as a High Court judge ruled that a Christian couple could not become foster parents because their religious beliefs on sexual matters may be hostile to children. The High Court took into consideration a recommendation from the Equality and Human Rights Commission which suggested that children should not be infected with Christian moral beliefs

Can you believe it? Can it really be bad for children to be taught what the Bible says on these matters???!!!

You can read about the case here.

The Christian Legal Centre responded with these words

"The Law has been increasingly interpreted by Judges in a way that favours homosexual rights over freedom of conscience. Significant areas of public life are now becoming out of bounds for Christians who do not want to compromise their beliefs. If Christian morals are harmful to children and unacceptable to the State, then how many years do we have before natural children start being taken away from Christians?"

So how should we react to this distressing news? To say 'never mind' or 'someone else can foster and adopt these children'? May that NEVER be!!

Let us go to our knees, repent before our Father in Heaven for the sins of our nations.

'if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' 2 Chronicles 7:14

And while we still have the opportunity in America, let us foster and adopt before the door is closed to us too. Let us show Christ's love to these children while we still have the opportunity to do so!!!

Michelle

I'm Back

2011-02-28T22:39:00.000-06:00

After an absence of almost 4 months I have decided to return to the blog. I have seriously considered letting it lapse totally, but over the last few weeks I have had several people contact us - wanting to know what is going on and what we are up to.

After prayer and much thought I have decided to write again and here are my reasons why.

Firstly, to have an opportunity to publicly give God the glory for the great things He has done (and will continue to do) and secondly, to keep family and friends (now around the world) updated on what's going on in the life of the Northcutt family.

I cannot promise how regular my posts will be (or how interesting!) but when there is news or a picture that is just to cute to keep to ourselves - I will share with you. So keep watching as the first installment will be posted in a day or two.

Thank you to all that have held us in your prayers over the last few months - they have been much appreciated.

Michelle

Belated Birthday Celebrations

2010-11-10T10:13:00.001-06:00

Deanna and Elaina's birthdays were about 6 weeks ago and normally we take the kids out for a treat to celebrate their birthday, but because we were still living on different continents the girls decided to wait until we were together again before we celebrated.

So, last week, armed with coupons and camera, we went to Chuck E Cheese. What a joy it was to watch the kids enjoying each others company again.

The Gift of Grief

2010-11-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

"You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;

the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!"

Psalm 68:35

I stood there with the envelope in my hand, excited. The stamp on the front told me that this was the letter I had been waiting for, from our attorney. I was expecting it to be the finalization date for our adoption of baby Luke, but as I read the contents I couldn’t have been more wrong. I stood for a second in total shock then sank to the floor and sobbed like a young child. How could God let this happen to us?

Six months prior Luke wasn’t even a possibility, we didn’t go looking for a private adoption or even necessarily want one, yet one Wednesday evening in early September 1998 God brought us and Luke together. I was sitting in a classroom at church and someone was asking me about how we were getting along with our foster/adoption classes. At the same time another woman walked passed and overheard part of the conversation, she entered the room asking who was going to adopt. I filled her in on our desire to foster and hopefully adopt a baby through the Missouri foster care system. She looked amazed and proceeded to tell me that she had just been told that her friend’s daughter was eight months pregnant and she had just decided to give her baby up for adoption. The woman asked if we would be interested in adopting that child.

I was speechless. How do you respond to a question like that? I told her I would talk to Gary and get back to her.

My journey home that night was full of emotion, mainly excitement as I dared to dream that this could possibly be happening to us, yet trying to be realistic in knowing that nothing had been decided either by us or the birthmother. After discussing the situation with Gary we decided to go ahead and see if the Lord would bring this together. The following week we met with Luke’s birthmother, and grandmother and they decided to let us have the privilege of being his parents.

Then, just 9 days after we first heard about Luke, I received the call to let me know his mother was in labor. We made it to the hospital just a few minutes after he was born. The hospital staff were incredible as they let me stay in a spare room with Luke through the night so I could feed him and attend to his needs. Words cannot describe how it felt to hold our son. Our child who we did not even know we were expecting. God had done an amazing thing to bring us together and we happily told everyone about His goodness.

When Luke was 6 weeks old and sleeping through the night, we decided we were ready to put our names down on the waiting list for a foster child. Little did we know just 2 weeks later we would receive 8 day old Daniel into our home. He came to us as a foster placement, which meant we were working with the agency to try to return him to his birth mother. While we did love Daniel, we held part of our hearts, in protection, knowing that he may one day be leaving us.

But Luke, he was ours. Or so we thought. In Missouri a child has to be in your home for six months before the adoption can be finalized so the letter we received in February 1999 was supposed to be the finalization date. Instead the words in the letter that had me on the floor sobbing, were telling me that someone had come forward and claimed to be Luke’s biological father. This man wanted his son. Could we possibly loose our child?

So on February 27^th 1999 I took Luke to get a DNA test to validate this man’s claim. We had to wait 2 long weeks for the results. During the waiting period we kept praying and hoping that Luke would be able to stay. We told ourselves that God wouldn’t bring us together as a family just to tear us apart. Would He? As I listened on the phone, the results were obvious to those in the room. My tears fell as I heard that Luke was this man’s son. How Lord, how is this possible? Why did You let this happen?

Our hearts were so heavy the next day as we prepared to give Luke to his biological father. I cannot begin to describe the pain as we sat, holding our son for the last time, saying goodbye. As it came time for him to leave Gary took him from my arms, carried to the car and placed him in his car seat for the last time. Gary returned to the house and cried with me – we had lost our son and our hearts were broken.

The following weeks and months were hard but I cannot stop the story here as this is not a story about pain but of joy and hope as the Lord restores the brokenhearted. And that is just what the Lord did, in time. But before we were restored we needed to walk though the valley of grief, of not understanding, but still trusting in our Heavenly Father.

The case of the orphan is a passion that the Lord has placed in our lives and we do what we can to help others take care of the least of these and over the years I have spent time encouraging others to adopt or foster. The most common excuse I hear from people as a reason not to foster is this: “I couldn’t do it because it would be too hard to give them back”. Have you ever thought that?

This is where I realize that through our experience with Luke I can honestly turn to these people and tell them “Yes, if you do your job right and love these children like God wants you to, you will hurt, BUT God does heal.” James 1:27 does not tell us to “take care of the widows and orphans in their distress … and you will never experience pain”. We, the body of Christ, are commanded to take care of the widows and orphans. Period. No excuses!! It does not matter if we are called to take care of and love a child for a week, a year or a lifetime. We need to do it and take the opportunity we have, while they are in our home, to show them the love of Jesus. Fostering and/or adopting are incredible opportunities to reach the hurting children of this world for Christ.

If we do our job right, and love them, if and when they leave, we will hurt. But I am so grateful for the gift of grief we experienced, because through that I know that neither I nor you have to live in fear of the pain, but delight in the One who I know will heal.

Michelle

Windy

2010-10-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

A windy day ...

... makes drying the laundry ...

EASY!!!

Moving

2010-10-27T15:56:00.002-05:00

Please forgive my absence from the blog, but between moving and having internet issues, this past week has been crazy!!!

Last Tuesday we signed the lease for the house and then Wednesday and Thursday we moved. It took a couple of days as we were moving with only one trailer and had to collect furniture from several different places. I am so grateful to the Lord for the beautiful weather He gave us which made it so much easier.

As we arrived at the house with the first load we piled everything into one room then Gary and the boys left to get another load while the girls and I cleaned the house. It wasn't hard to clean but it was pretty dirty as no one (except the mice) had lived here since we moved out almost 2 years ago.

I am so proud of our children who worked really hard to move all the boxes and furniture.

Slowly we are unpacking and finding a place for everything. This is taking a while as we have also started schooling this week - which is a challenge in itself when you can't find all the books you are looking for!!

We are truly grateful to our families who have given us places to live this year, but this is the first time since we left for Zambia in March, that we have a home to call our own - and it feels good!!! The kids have really enjoyed being in a place where they can make as much noise as they like (well as much as I can tolerate!!) and have their things around them again as they haven't had many of their toys since we prepared them for shipping 8 months ago.

I also want to thank our Church family as they have welcomed us back so warmly. We have had several that have given us items for the home and in the 10 days which we have been here I have only had to cook dinner twice as several have either had us over for dinner or brought dinner to us. That has been so appreciated, especially during our move when I had no idea where any pots or pans were!!

So, it's back to sorting out the home, but I will be back with more posts over the next few days.

Michelle

The Journey

2010-10-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, our journey home was incredible. We left my parents house just after 3am on Friday morning. The kids were really boggled by the idea that we were up so early while the rest of the country was still sleeping! We arrived at Heathrow in record time (mainly because it was so early) and were standing in line at the American Airline counter by 4.40am.

I was a little concerned that we could be standing, waiting for hours but within a minute of us arriving in the line the security check points were set up and we were moving through. American Airlines opened up their check-in desks at 5am. One of the reasons we went so early was to try and sort out the seating situation. Because we had bought 5 of the last 6 seats on the flight our seats were spread throughout the plane. I asked the lady at the check in if we could sit together and she assured me that would be sorted out by the time we reached the departure gate.

Next, we moved through security and were sitting down in the departure lounge, eating breakfast by 5.35 am. We still had over 3 hours before the departure gate would open so the kids either napped, read or played with Lego (we have learnt to take a carry on case full of Lego whenever we fly - helps to pass the time)

At 8.55 our gate opened up and we wondered over. It was wonderful to have plenty of time and not be rushed to get anywhere. Upon arrival at the gate we discovered our seats were now together, but it wasn't until we boarded we realized the gift we had been given - we had the front row of seats in the coach section, so there was no one in front of us! I didn't have to worry about the kids knocking the seats in front and we had the freedom to move about and stretch out. I did feel a little guilty when my 5ft 4in frame couldn't stretch far enough to fill the space we had and I saw these guys over 6ft crammed in their seats.

The flight was thankfully uneventful and the landing was so gentle that the kids didn't even realize we were on the ground and we were even half an hour early.

Immigration was a breeze, as I was allowed to go through the American Citizen's line and our luggage was one of the first off the carousel. Customs was also easy, although, why they had to confiscate my English apple is beyond me.

We were so excited to be through all the formalities and were ready to walk into the arms of our loved ones - only to find out they weren't there!!! We knew they might be late as they couldn't pick the rental van up until 7am and Chicago is a 5/6 hour drive. But within 15 minutes they came rushing in. We saw them first and the kids with me just went running. I would have done, but someone had to stay with the 3 carts of luggage, right?! Oh, but how good it felt to have Gary's arms surround me and hold me tight and to see my boys and to hug and kiss them. Our family was together again and it felt so good!

We started our long journey home and even though the kids who had travelled were exhausted they did not let sleep take away from their time to catch up with their brothers. We stopped to eat dinner, which took 2 hours, and afterwards insisted that they sleep - Elaina hadn't napped all day, so by this time she had been awake 24 hours. But when we crossed into Missouri they were all awake again. By midnight we were back at Gary's Mom's house and ready for some serious sleep.

The Lord gave us an incredible journey home, stress was minimal and the reunion was sooooo sweet.

Since Friday we have been staying at Gary's Mom's, but today we move. We are going to be renting the same house that we left almost 2 years ago. This won't be a permanent move as we are unable to adopt at this location, but it will give us time to regroup as a family as we continue to seek the Lord's will for our lives.

Michelle.

Home

2010-10-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Just a really quick note to let you know that we made it safe and sound.

Thank you for all of your prayers - it was an incredible journey and I will fill you in on all the details soon - but not today. Today I am going to spend my time enjoying those I have missed so much :)

Michelle

Wow!!!

2010-10-13T14:38:00.000-05:00

Do you remember my post last Saturday when I told you that the man who did my interview apologized because my visa would take 7 to 10 days to get to me and there was nothing he could do to speed it up?

Well, he may not have been able to speed it up - but GOD was and He did!!!

I found out last night that it would be delivered today so, first thing this morning I called a local bus company who could possibly take us to the airport. I told him when we were hoping to leave and asked if he could take us. He wasn't sure if he could do it at such short notice but would check into it for me. Meanwhile I found a flight, but obviously wasn't able to book it until I had my visa in my hand.

So while we waited we packed. I received a call back from the bus company who told me they could take us, but again I couldn't book it until the flights were booked. By this time there were only 6 seats left on the flight and still no visa.

Finally, just after 3pm my visa arrived. I was able to book 5 of the remaining 6 seats on the flight and confirmed transportation to the airport.

We are all set to fly to Chicago (where Gary, Nicholas and Daniel will meet us) on Friday morning. Lord willing, we will be reunited in 47 hours. It has been a long 4 months away from my husband and sons and I am so looking forward to being together again as one family. The children are so excited. Deanna even told me that one of her soft toys was "crying with joy!"

While we have looked forward to this day for a long, long time, it is also bitter sweet as I again prepare to leave those I love. Tomorrow we get to spend the day with my parents, sister and niece. I know we will have a great time, but goodbyes are never easy.

On a final note I have to tell you this story because the Lord's timing is amazing. Our children are involved in the children's choir at our church in Missouri and they put on a Christmas performance each year. Well, several weeks ago we were sent the music and words for this year's performance for the kids to practice in anticipation that we would be back in the States before Christmas. The kids were asked if they wanted any speaking parts or solos and both Elaina and Naomi volunteered for a solo. Anyway, the choir director assigned parts and also arranged for the choir to sing one of the songs in church on Sunday 17 October, but it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago did she realize that the song she had planned for the choir to sing that day was the one in which Elaina and Naomi had their solos!!! Obviously no one was sure that we would be back in time so they had arranged back ups for the girls.

Well I am so happy to say that we will be in church Sunday morning and the girls want to sing their solos - and the name of the song the choir will sing is -

"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!"

What more can I say? :)

Michelle

The English Seaside

2010-10-12T06:08:00.000-05:00

Last week we took a 2 day trip to Devon to visit my brother and his family.

We had a wonderful time letter boxing on Dartmoor and taking a night time walk on the edge of the moor - but I forgot the camera on both these events :(

Our last day we took an excursion to the beach - yes in October!!

The weather was wonderful, although there was a strong wind, the sun was shining brilliantly and the air was warm.

We had a great time flying kites

Almost getting cut off by the tide

Crabbing

and thoroughly enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

while enjoying time with family

I'm not sure when we will see my brother or his family again, but we do have some wonderful memories to tide us over.

Michelle

To GOD be the Glory

2010-10-09T01:27:00.003-05:00

... Great things HE hath done

First, let me apologize for not getting this post up last night. After not sleeping well on Thursday night, a 4 am start yesterday and then all the emotion of the interview, I was too tired to write (well, at least write and have it make any sense!!)

Thank you! Thank you! for all your prayers. We have been incredibly blessed and humbled to find out that people from all over the world have been praying for us and several even got up in the night to pray during my interview. Your emails and comments have been so appreciated - it is wonderful when we, as the body of Christ, can rejoice together for the GREAT things HE does.

So ... back to yesterday. Although the journey to London was incredibly early, I was grateful that it was uneventful and that the trains were on time.

I arrived at the Embassy at 8.30 - plenty of time for my 9 am interview. Well I sat and waited, and prayed and waited and prayed some more. Most of this time I was calm, but I have to admit that a couple of times fear started to encroach upon me. I had to remind myself of the scripture He had given me that morning (Exodus 14:13-14) and that He was in control of the outcome of this day. After waiting over 2 hours they finally called my number.

I found myself at window 14 with a kind man behind it. He took my fingerprints and paperwork, gave me a pink sheet of paper and told me to wait until I was called again. I read the pink information sheet which told me I had completed stage 1. Now my paperwork would be looked over and I then would be called for the interview. It also informed me I could have a several hour wait for the interview!! At this time my prayer was 3 fold. Lord, please allow them to overlook the fact that our income doesn't meet their requirements; please let my wait be short as I know Gary will be expecting my call soon and also, please don't let the mean woman (who conducted my interview in July) be the one to interview me today!!!

The Lord was gracious on all three of those requests. Even though I had seen people wait well over an hour for their interview I was called up after only 20 minutes. I reached window 16 and was so relieved to find a man there waiting to do the interview and not the mean woman!!!

This is truly the incredible part - we had asked the Lord to give us an interviewer who was compassionate and who looked over the negative aspect of the finances. Well, not a word was mentioned about money and more amazingly my interviewer understood our situation!! He was an American man and told me he is married to a British woman. They have moved back and forth from both countries and understands what it is like to have to jump through all the immigration hoops each time you move!!!

The Lord did it. He gave us someone who understood our situation!

The man then asked when I would like to return. Of course I said as soon as possible because we have been apart for almost 4 months. He replied by telling me my visa was approved and then apologized because my visa would take 7 - 10 days to arrive and there was nothing he could do to speed it up!! That's okay. I can wait!!

It has been almost 6 months since we applied for my visa and it now feels kind of surreal that we finally have the answer we have been waiting so long for. Oh, but we are so grateful for what God has done. He has not only allowed me to return to the States but has given me back my permanent residency status which means we won't have to wait 2 years before we can begin adopting (but that is in the future!!) For now, I look forward to the reunion of our family - how sweet that will be.

We thank you again for all your prayers and support and to our Heavenly Father for the gift of my visa.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father"

James 1:17

The Decision

2010-10-08T06:09:00.000-05:00

As Michelle prepared to leave the house this morning by spending some time in God's Word, He gave her these verses:

"Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Exodus 14: 13-14

Many have been praying while Michelle was in the interview and we appreciate all the prayer very much. We have been encouraged by God very much leading up to this date. Michelle will fill you in with all of the details as soon as she possibly can. She is travelling back from London now to start preparations. But this long journey is ending now with this answer:

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

She's coming home!!! It will be about 7 - 10 days before she gets her visa in the mail, but she's coming home!!!

Gary

The LORD is in control

2010-10-07T06:06:00.002-05:00

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Proverbs 16:33

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases

Proverbs 21:1

How awesome is the LORD Most High,

the great King over all the earth!

Psalm 47:2

I have to tell you I am so excited about the interview tomorrow. I KNOW He is in control of the outcome and I look forward to seeing His answer to our prayers.

Michelle

While I wait on GOD

2010-10-05T19:31:00.001-05:00

Friday at 9 AM (thats 3 AM in Saint Louis) Michelle has her second interview at the Embassy in London where they will decide whether to give Michelle a visa to enter the country on.

GARY

5

2010-10-04T03:24:00.003-05:00

You've guessed it - another birthday in the Northcutt family :)

Over the weekend our baby turned 5. The funny thing was that she couldn't remember how old she had become. When I asked her how old she was the conversation went something like this -

Me: Deanna how old are you now?

Deanna: 6

Me: 6?

Deanna: Yeah

Me: Are you sure?

Deanna: Umm ..1 .. 2 .. 3 .. 4 .. 5 - Oh I'm 5

She is just too cute!!!

We didn't do a lot to celebrate her birthday because she wants to save her birthday treat for when we are back with Daddy and the boys, but we did take her swimming to try out her new goggles.

Michelle

Needed a Change

2010-10-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

Over the last few weeks I have been wanting to change the design of the blog but normally this is the kind of challenge that Gary would undertake. But, communicating about this kind of thing when you are living in different time zones is tough so I figured I would give it a go myself.

Not sure if I totally like the new look so don't be surprised if you see more changes over the next few days or weeks - but at least for tonight it will work!

Michelle

11

2010-09-30T06:04:00.000-05:00

How do they get so big so quickly??! This past weekend we celebrated Elaina's 11th birthday.

I have been amazed as I have watched the Lord work in her life. From bringing her through extreme prematurity (born at 26 weeks) and challenging illnesses, she is now changing into a beautiful strong young woman. One of these days I will get around to writing her life story, but for now I just thank the Lord for bringing this precious girl into our family.

Struggling

2010-09-27T03:25:00.002-05:00

Today I awoke with a heavy heart. One that is burdened with the interview next week. An interview in which we will need a miracle to occur in order to be granted the visa that I so long for. The reason we need a miracle is because we have been volunteers with WEC and therefore have not had the income over the last few years that immigration requires us to have in order to prove that I will not become a burden on the government!

The interview could go 1 of 3 ways. I could be granted my visa (this is obviously what we hope will happen) or they could reject it or, they could require more information. I don't know which I fear more, the outright rejection or the need for more information. If I am rejected Gary and the boys will probably return to the UK. We have no problem with living here except that will mean a death of the dream of adopting more as we won't be allowed to in this country. But, if they require more information, or if we decide to fight the rejection then it will mean a longer separation for an indefinite period of time. I so desperately want to be with my husband and boys again that it hurts.

I know that God is more than capable of giving us that miracle and granting me a visa, but I don't know that He will choose to do that and that is what I am struggling with right now - the fear of not knowing and the fear of being apart even longer.

As I spent time with the Lord this morning I asked Him to show me what He was doing. Encourage me. Help me in this struggle.

I spent time with Him, reading His word and praying yet constantly I was distracted by my thoughts, my struggles, my fears.

After finishing my reading I moved to my computer to check emails etc, and connected to a blog I haven't read in a long time. And right there was my encouragement from the Lord. You can read it here.

I have no guarantee that I will get a visa but I do have the guarantee from God that He will work things out according to His purpose. And if I truly believe that He is in control and He is enough for me then I have to make that choice to trust Him whatever the outcome.

He is the one who can move mountains, (and governments) not me. So, through tears of surrender I am choosing to trust Him. Not understanding why we walk through this deep valley - but trusting.

He is my hope - my only hope - and I choose to trust Him

Michelle

Boys are so much easier

2010-09-26T03:26:00.000-05:00

At least when it comes to fixing hair!!!

Michelle

Didn't think we would see this!

2010-09-23T02:30:00.004-05:00

About 4 months ago all the children planted 12 sunflower seeds - 2 each. During the process of transplanting them several broke and died and a few more were eaten by bugs before they could grow. Only one of Jeremiah's survived. He has really enjoyed watching it grow and bloom. It finally reached a height of just under 10 ft.

We really never thought we would still be in England to see the flower bloom. We thought we would be back in America a looong time ago.

It has now been 3 months since Gary, Daniel and Nicholas left. 3 hard months! Last night it felt harder than ever, because I called Gary just before I went to bed (just like I do every night) and Daniel answered the phone. He always talks on the phone with a really chatty, cheerful attitude. Now, last night was no different but he just wanted to talk and talk and talk to me. We ended up speaking for 40 minutes and before he said goodbye he told me he missed me (he hasn't told me that much). Next I got to speak to Nicholas, who talked for 10 minutes which is a really long time for him as he is not much of a talker on the phone. Then the phone was passed around between the whole family. We ended up talking for probably an hour and a half!! We are so thankful for Skype :)

I miss those times when my boys could just talk to me about anything, whenever they wanted. I am so pleased they have their Dad there to talk to but, how I wish I was there too.

BUT, Lord willing, if the interview goes as we hope, we will be reunited in just under 4 weeks!!!!

We can't wait. :)

Michelle

Real Mom?!!

2010-09-20T02:23:00.000-05:00

I have a great deal of respect for my children's birth parents because they chose to give their children life, which is the greatest gift they could have given them. And although they will always have a place in my children's lives, they are no longer (physically, emotionally or legally) their 'real' or 'natural' parent. That responsibility and privilege was given to Gary and I through adoption. Therefore anyone who knows me well is aware of the fact that I can't stand the terms 'real' or 'natural' when referring to birth parents. Just by their use it implies that an adoptive parent is not a 'real' parent and that adoption is unnatural.

So you can imagine the look on my face when my 4 year old daughter and I were having a conversation last week about names. She wanted to know what name her birth mother gave her. I told her it was Deanna ______ _______. She proceeded to ask me why we changed it. I told her it was because she was now part of our family and we thought she would like to have the same name as us. She thought for a moment and informed me that she would rather have kept the name her 'REAL' mom gave her.

WHAT?? - Did she just say 'real' mom? I gently told her that I was her 'real' mom now but I guess the look of shock on my face was loud as yesterday she tried to make up for it.

We were standing in the line at the grocery store (actually a Wal-Mart here in England) and Jeremiah was in conversation with a lady regarding a bag of Doritos that he was taking very good care of.

Lady:    Would you share those with me?
Jeremiah:     No (shaking his head with a large grin on his face)
Me:    Will you share them with me?
Jeremiah:    No (smiling bigger than ever)
Deanna to the lady"   He will, because he loves his Mom a lot
Me to Deanna:    Do you love me?
Deanna: Yes .... more than my BIRTH mom
Me:    Thank you Sweetheart - I love you too

She is one smart cookie!!!

Michelle

Just Because ...

2010-09-17T03:23:00.000-05:00

He loves me :)

These flowers arrived on a day I was feeling sick and sorry for myself. Nothing like a bouquet of beautiful flowers to make me feel a little better and remind me of how much I am loved.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, just to let you know that the Lord continues to work in wonderful ways. Charley and Kate's adoption of the two Eastern European girls was fully funded just days before they left to get them. Please keep them in your prayers as they are waiting for a court date, which at the earliest would be 24th September. While they wait, they remain separated from their other children who had to stay in the States. Thanks

Michelle

Can you help?

2010-09-02T02:39:00.001-05:00

Could you help bring these two precious girls home?

(I have been trying to put pictures of the girls up here - but just can't seem to get it to work. So you will have to visit their family's blog to see them)

Charley and Kate leave in 10 days to travel to Eastern Europe to bring home the two girls that they are adopting. The Lord has been so faithful and has already provided over $36,000 to enable them to rescue these girls from being sent to a mental institution and more importantly, allowing them to be able to be raised in a loving home where they will be taught about the Lord.

But, they are still needing just over $2,000 to have these adoptions fully funded. Could you help? It doesn't have to be a lot, but every dollar helps and there is such joy in knowing you have played a part in giving these girls a future. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

If you can help Charley and Kate, the easiest way to do so is through paypal and you will find the link to their paypal account through their blog HERE

Michelle

Interview Date

2010-08-26T07:04:00.000-05:00

Today we heard from the American Embassy but I thought I would let Elaina tell you about it. Below is what she wrote in her journal (of course I got her permission to share her thoughts with you :)

News from the Embassy today. Mom's interview is in October (8th). After my birthday! After Deanna's birthday! In six weeks.

I wish we could be on the plane right now, but all the wishing in the world won't get us what we want.

Through all tough times, we must remember to trust in God.

Elaina

Waiting

2010-08-23T04:27:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it has been over 2 months since Gary, Daniel and Nicholas left?!

We had really hoped to have been reunited by now, but that is not the case. I remain in England with Jeremiah and the girls ... waiting! Waiting for my second interview at the American Embassy where they will make the decision as to whether to grant me a visa ... or not.

For the last two weeks I have been checking my email constantly to see if the interview has been scheduled. But no email has arrived.

Gary contacted his Senator last week to see if they can move this process along. They said they would contact the embassy, but we have heard nothing.

Finally, this morning I wrote the Embassy an email to see if they had scheduled my interview (as I was told at my first interview that it could probably happen in August) but I received an automated reply stating that my email had been deleted without being read.

So we wait ... and wait ... trusting, not in man, but in our God who is Sovereign and is in control of all things. He, and He alone will allow me back to the States, when He is ready.

Do I understand why we have been separated so long? Absolutely not! I do not have to understand why, but I do have to trust in Him who works all things for the good of those who love Him.

That is what I am trying to do, yet some days are easier than others!!

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Isa 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Michelle

Silent too long.

2010-08-13T01:46:00.002-05:00

I have been silent for way too long.

When we returned from Zambia we promised that we would continue to be a voice for the orphan, yet I have been so wrapped up in our own challenges (which are minor in comparison to that of the orphan) that I have not been the voice I had hoped to be.

Today I will begin to speak.

I was first introduced to Reece's Rainbow through the adoption of Hailee and Harper by Anthony and Adeye.

Reece's Rainbow is an international adoption ministry that focuses it's efforts in finding families for children with down syndrome and other special needs. They have an incredible ministry and so far this year they have helped families rescue over 70 children.

Most of these children are young (0-4) because at the age of 4 the majority are sent to the mental institution from where they are unable to be adopted. For most of them this move leads to death as the conditions in these places are horrendous.

I understand that not all are called to adopt and that is okay. BUT we are ALL called (James 1:27) to take care of the widows and orphans in their distress. So, if you can't adopt, how can you take care of them? Pray and give. An international adoption costs, on average, $25,000. It's a lot of money, an amount that most of us don't have. But, what price do you put on a child's life? Remember, if they are not rescued most will die! So, could you help another family rescue a child?

One thing I really do like about Reece's Rainbow is that they allow you to donate to a specific family - most of whom have blogs so you can follow their journey and rejoice with them when they bring their children home. That, my friends, is an incredible feeling to see a little one in the arms of their new parents, who have prayed, sacrificed and loved this child so much before they have even met them.

To see the difference the love of a family can make for one of these precious children of God, please click HERE. Believe me, it is worth a look - God has done incredible things.

Will you give a little (or a lot) to help a family rescue a child?
Will you pray for these children?
Will you adopt a child?

What does God want YOU to do?

"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" Proverbs 24:11-12

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Round 2 - The Medical

2010-08-12T01:24:00.000-05:00

The second part of this process to get me back to America happened yesterday - the medical.

Of course, the American Embassy doesn't make it too easy for you. I couldn't use a local doctor I had to travel back to London to see one of their approved (and expensive) doctors.

The journey to London should have been easy. The town where I am currently living has a train station less than a mile from my parent's house. The train from this station goes directly to London - or at least it should have done. Yesterday it was different! Of course, I was wise and allowed almost 2 hours of extra time in my schedule in case there was a delay of any sort because I knew I just couldn't miss my appointment.

My train was due to leave at 9.50 am. I arrived at 9.40 to hear a couple of minutes later that the train had been delayed by 30 minutes. Okay, not a problem, this is why I allowed extra time for my journey, right?    Time passes, about 20 minutes later there is an announcement, "this train will arrive in 10 minutes" (great) "but will terminate at Oxford" (what!!!). "Everyone will have to change at Oxford to get a train to London." Okay, still don't have to panic as I have plenty of time.

I finally get on the train, just half an hour behind schedule.   About 20 minutes into our journey the conductor gets on the microphone and announces about the train termination at Oxford but informs us we can catch the 11.01 train from Oxford arriving at London Paddington at 11.59. Still no need to panic as my appointment is at 1pm and it is only a mile and a half from the train station.

THEN, the train stops ... another announcement "We apologize for the delay, we have to wait here for about 10 minutes for the signals to be reset" ... so I wait ... well, what else could I do?!!

Arrived at Oxford at 11.15 am, totally missing the 11.01 to London. I frantically search the departure board to find the next train - 11.31 arriving at 12.29. That would leave me 30 minutes to walk to the Doctors - I can still do it. Yippee, thank you Lord.

11.22 - another announcement "We are sorry to inform you that the 11.31 train to London Paddington has been delayed. It is running 15 minutes behind schedule" WHAT - you have to be kidding me!!! No - this was no joke.   So, that would leave me 16 minutes to walk 1.5 miles - that would mean running all the way - and I have to admit that this body of mine isn't up to it. So I would have to take a cab.

As I stood waiting for the train I remember telling the Lord that I had done everything possible to get there on time and it was up to Him whether I made it or not. There is such a peace that comes when you leave it (where it should have been all along) in His hands.

Thankfully, the train finally arrive and I journeyed on to London with no further delays. I stepped off the train at 12.41 pm and headed straight for a taxi. When I arrived at the Doctor's office I looked at the clock - I had 5 minutes to spare!!!!

The medical itself was really uneventful and they will have the results to the Embassy on Monday.

The best part of the day was the journey home, well, not actually the journey but arriving at the train station to see my parents, Elaina, Naomi, Jeremiah and Deanna waiting for me. How sweet that was to have my kids run up and hug me and tell me they had missed me, especially as I had only been gone 7 hours. It makes me long for my other reunion, with Gary, Daniel and Nicholas, oh how sweet that will be :)

So what's next?   Round 3 will be another interview at the Embassy. That means another trip to London on the train, for which I will leave a 3 hours window - in case of delays ;)

I am hoping to hear from the Embassy very soon as to when that next interview will be. I will keep you posted.

Michelle

My Grandmother

2010-08-09T01:39:00.000-05:00

98 years young!!

God's world is so small

2010-08-06T03:34:00.000-05:00

One of the other paperwork requirements we have to fulfill is for Gary to provide an affidavit of support. Proving that he can provide for me and that I won't become a burden on the government.

There are a few challenges with this - we need to show our 2009 tax return - whoops we don't have one of those because we weren't in the country and didn't need to file. Ok, we will send the 2008 tax return - a little problem there too. While we did file a 2008 tax return, we couldn't find it. We know it was sent to us in England, but from moving from England to Zambia, back to England and now America, it seems to have gone missing. Now, I know we could have requested a copy from the IRS but that would have taken a long time and believe me, we are trying to get all this paperwork done asap so our family can be together again.

On Sunday I had an idea - why not contact the man who prepared our taxes and see if he still has a copy. I called Gary, he didn't have the man's email, so instead he sent an email to the Financial Director at WEC and asked if he could put us in contact with the man who did our taxes (who now lives in New Zealand). WEC emailed the man for us and by Monday afternoon I had an email with a copy of our 2008 tax return.

So, in less than 24 hours, my request went to the Lord and then from England to Missouri, to Pennsylvania to New Zealand and back to England.

Thank you to those who I know were praying that we would find our tax return quickly - the Lord answered your prayers and we are grateful.

Michelle

God is in the Details

2010-08-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

I have seen the Lord move. I have seen Him orchestrate circumstances which were beyond my control. I have seen Him answer prayer and I am grateful.

After my interview last week I got straight to work on gathering all the paperwork. My first task was to send off for a police background check. In order to do this I needed a passport photo. No problem - off to the chemist to take care of that. Next, get someone to endorse the photo to say that it is a true likeness of me, shouldn't be a problem, but wait, the person who endorses the photo has to have known me for at least 2 years, has to be a professional and can't be a family member. This caused a little problem. Everyone around the place where I am currently living hasn't known me for 2 years. The only professionals I know that are close to me are my family - yet I can't use family. Think Michelle, think.

Then, I remembered that the next day I was going to be in Swindon meeting friends from Leeds (who I also have only known for less than 2 years). Well, Swindon is my home town so I thought maybe the Pastor of the church I grew up in could sign it. So I sent him an email but by the time I left the house the next morning to go to Swindon he had not responded.

Anyway, we met with our friends around lunch time at a local park. We had a wonderful time catching up and the kids really enjoyed playing together for a couple of hours. When we left I still had no reply from my Pastor so I decided we should go across town and see if there was anyone at the church who could sign my photograph. Now, the church is only small and the office is not constantly staffed so I was praying on the way over that the Lord would allow someone to be there who could help us.

You can imagine how disappointed I was when we arrived to find the parking lot empty. We still walked around to the church office, hoping that someone was there, but there was no reply to Jeremiah's ~~banging~~ knocking on the door. We walked slowly back to the van asking the Lord what we should do next. I tried calling the Pastor on his cell phone, but I was out of credit on my phone. Okay Lord - what now?

Just then another car arrived. An older lady (who I didn't know) got out and walked towards the office. We decided to follow and found her in the church. I explained who I was and what I was needing and asked if the Pastor was around. She informed me he left for vacation in Greece that morning! Oh dear - was there anyone else who could help? She suggested Ann, who was a retired social worker and lived close to the church. She has known me most of my life.

I called Ann and she was at home and agreed to come to the church to sign my photo. While we were waiting for her, the first lady proceeded to tell me that she normally wouldn't be at the church at 4pm in the afternoon but the church needed cleaning for an upcoming funeral.

Then when Ann arrived she told me that she was surprised that I caught her at home, because she had been out shopping most of the day and only arrived home just a few minutes before I called.

Both ladies could easily have been unavailable, but thankfully the Lord had different plans and I was able to get my photo endorsed.

If I had not found someone in Swindon to sign my photo then I would have had to have sent it to America for someone to endorse which would have delayed my application by at least 2 more weeks. Instead I was able to send off for my police check last week and it came back today.

And in case anyone wonders .......... It came back clear - no criminal record for me :)

Michelle

Interview Outcome

2010-07-27T14:50:00.000-05:00

What a day!!! I am so tired, more emotionally than physically, I think.

Anyway, the important news. I have verbally been given my status of Permanent Resident and I believe your prayers made all the difference, so we thank you.

The interview itself was horrible. It didn't last long, but the interviewer was not impressed that I had been out of the country for more than a year and she proceeded to give me a mini lecture and then spent about 30 seconds 'um'ing and 'ah'ing about whether to allow me to return to the States.

During those seconds (which felt like minutes) I was constantly praying and asking the Lord to let me return. When she finally told me she would approve my application my whole body relaxed and I let out a huge sigh and thanked her. But she was quick to inform me that I couldn't return just yet. First I need to jump through a few more hoops (my interpretation of her words ;)

I need to obtain and fill out a whole bunch of paperwork, along with a police background check and a medical. I have already begun working on my list and have my medical scheduled for the 11 August (for which I have to return to London). Once all my paperwork is done (including the medical) then I have to return to London again for yet another interview. If everything is in order then I should receive my visa, but if anything is wrong then my application could still be denied.

So, in short, I think we have jumped the biggest hurdle, but we are not out of the woods yet. Therefore we would appreciate your continued prayers for this situation.

Tonight I will sleep well, thankful to my Heavenly Father for His kindness to us and for the many friends and family who have been praying for us, but I have to admit my heart is still heavy. I miss my husband and my boys and I struggle with not knowing when we will be together again.

Michelle

The Interview - 11am Tuesday (UK Time)

2010-07-26T16:42:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a big day here as I will be traveling to London to have my interview at the American Embassy and the outcome of the interview will determine when (and maybe even if ...) I am allowed to return to America as a Permanent Resident.

I have been asked how we have found ourselves in this position as I first received my 'Green card' (which by the way is not green at all!!) aka Permanent Resident Visa over 15 years ago. Doesn't 'permanent' mean just that - forever!?   We would have thought so too, but we found out just before we left the States that if you are gone from the Country for any period over 1 year then you loose your right to automatically reenter. Instead we have to ask for permission for me to return, proving that when I left I wasn't abandoning America and that I still have ties there.

In theory this interview should be straight forward. We kept a bank account in the US while we were gone and retained membership and support of our local church yet, I have to admit I am nervous. Nervous because we are dealing with governments and someone else is making the decision as to whether I can return and if so when. Nervous because I want desperately to be with my husband and sons again (we have now been separated for 5 long weeks).

I often have to remind myself of the truth. That God is in control of all. That nothing is outside His sovereignty and control.   But I still find the butterflies creeping back in my stomach.

Please pray with us that the Lord will grant us favor tomorrow. That I will be able to leave the US Embassy with clearance to return and that the Northcutts will be reunited soon.

Please also remember Jeremiah, Deanna, Elaina and Naomi in your prayers tomorrow as they are a little concerned about letting me out of their sight.   I think because their Dad has been gone so long they are concerned about something happening to me. Elaina even offered to come to London with me in case I get lost in a crowd ?!!

Thank you ... and I promise to put a post up tomorrow evening (UK time) to let you know how things went.

A Gruffalo Hunt

2010-06-30T05:10:00.001-05:00

The Cotswolds is a very beautiful area of England and there is a national trail that spans most of it's length of just over 100 miles. Elaina, Naomi and I would like to walk the length of it, but I think it's just a little too far for Jeremiah and Deanna. Maybe another time.

So we have resigned ourselves to just walking small sections. We started on Father's Day (when Gary was still with us) and walked from Chipping Campden. It was a great day, although when we were on our final stretch back to the car we noticed Jeremiah had lost his sweater. I was not about to retrace our 5 mile walk to look for it.

So yesterday we decided to go back to Dover's Hill and somehow, along the way, one of the kids thought the Gruffalo may be in the woods. So we went on a Gruffalo hunt. Deanna decided to impersonate the Gruffalo her own way.

We walked about 3 miles, enjoying the countryside, perfect temperatures (about 75 degrees) and knowing that we wouldn't find any poisonous snakes in the grass was a treat.

We walked through meadows - trying not to disturb the sheep too much.

Down the 72 steps into the woods.

We looked high and low for the Gruffalo. Apparently, according to the kids, we saw evidence of him, such as footprints and play areas for the Gruffalo's child, but alas, no Gruffalo.

But what we did find was ....

... Jeremiah's sweater. Thankfully someone had found it and hung it on a tree - maybe it was the Gruffalo!!!

Michelle

Our Decision

2010-06-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

The decision we made that day was hard but we know that we made it with the Lord's guidance.

We decided that Gary, Daniel and Nicholas should leave England and return to America before the rest of the family. There were several factors that helped us in this decision. Firstly, there is work for him in St Louis. Gary's friend has a landscape business and has offered to give Gary some work, as this is his busiest time of year. This will allow Gary to earn some money while he sets up his own business again.

Secondly we felt it was important for him to go ahead and prepare a home for us. The house we thought we would be able to move into has fallen through so currently we have nowhere to live when we return.

The two boys went with him as we knew this would be an excellent opportunity for them to start their journey into manhood. Gary will take time to teach them about what it means to be a godly man, husband and father. They will also have practical experience as they will be going to work with Dad everyday and will be taught many things in the construction trade. They will have their work cut out for them as they will also be expected to keep up with their schooling (albeit a modified schedule).

Jeremiah remains with me as he is only 6 and being away from me for a long period would be just too hard for him right now.

Tuesday, we faced the dreaded day as we got up early and took them to the airport.

This is hard to type as it brings back the pain of that morning and I'm now fighting the tears. Part of the pain came from my sadness as I said goodbye to my husband and best friend (who I have never been away from for more than a week in the last 17 years) and to my boys - who have never been away from this mama's side for more than 48 hours. The other part of the pain came from seeing my children hurt as they cried for their Daddy and brothers.

How long will we be apart? That's an excellent question for which I do not have an answer and I think not knowing when we will see them again is making this separation harder. I am scheduled for an interview at the American Embassy in London on July 27th. At this interview they will decide whether I will be allowed to return to the US with the permenant resident status I left with or not. If that goes well, which we are praying it will, I think I have to have a medical before being allowed to return. We are only guessing, but believe the earliest we could be back to the States is late August, although (with the time lines stated on the Embassy website) it could be as late as October!!

Please pray with us that the Lord would allow Gary to be successful and find a home and prepare it for us before we arrive. Also, that the boys would learn a lot this Summer and that God would move mountains and allow us to be together again soon. Thank you.

I look forward to our reunion.

Michelle

Wigwams and Decisions

2010-06-26T02:06:00.000-05:00

On one of our many walks through the English countryside this spring we came across this wigwam built from sticks and the kids were inspired.

So they spent the next hour building their own.

Naomi worked alone and wrote her name in sticks.

Nicholas teamed up with Deanna, while Elaina and Jeremiah worked together.

Daniel was more interested in taking pictures than building. Below are a couple he took.

During this time Gary and I talked about where we were, where God is leading and what is next for us. This discussion led to a very big decision .... which I will tell you about tomorrow ;)

Michelle

One Wheel or Two?

2010-06-24T02:11:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month we celebrated my birthday by spending 4 days with my brother and his family in the South West of England.

They live in a small village on the edge of a national park. It is so beautiful there that I could have spent many days just sitting, watching yet still not absorbing the full magnitude of our Creator's handiwork. Yet this trip seemed to be focused around bikes!!

My brother and his wife ride a lot, and probably because our kids have been without bikes since February they were excited, on our first evening there, to bring out the bikes!!

Whether they had one wheel or two!

Gary and Nicholas worked hard at mastering the unicycle. They both managed to ride several feet before returning to the ground.

Deanna was excited to try out her cousin's bike - this one had two wheels, which was a challenge for her as she could previously only ride with training wheels attached. But within minutes she had two wheels mastered!!

She was so proud of herself to be able to ride - just like the big kids now!!

We spent the following day in Exeter (a nearby city) watching stunt riders and a bike race (Sorry I forgot to take my camera that day).

Then on our last full day we attended the local church fete from which Deanna got to ride home on a tandem which had been modified so little legs could peddle too.
.

We had an incredible few days away, really enjoyed the time together and a big thank you to my whole family who spoiled me rotten.

Michelle

Go Grampy!

2010-06-23T01:19:00.000-05:00

If you know anything of the English culture, then you will know that cricket is an important pastime - especially for my Dad. During the early days of summer he plays on a team of local clergymen. Naomi requested an opportunity to watch him play, so we decided to do just that.

The kids made the 'GO GRAMPY' signs and were excited to be able to cheer him on.

My Dad plays the position of wicket keeper (the one kneeling down with his back to the camera). I would like to be able to tell you that his team won that day, but it was not to be, although it was a close game.

We didn't stay to watch all of it as a cricket game can go on for hours and hours. Instead we spent the rest of the afternoon at a local park enjoying some of our Creator's incredible handiwork.

Michelle

What's Next

2010-05-27T03:41:00.000-05:00

The time we spent in Zambia was incredible. It has etched pictures into our minds that will never be erased. Pictures of God's beautiful creation in the area in which we lived. Pictures of hope as we saw some of the good work being done in Livingstone. Yet despite the beauty and hope we also have pictures of pain - children sleeping on the streets, begging, small children (about 3 years old) alone - scantly dressed. These pictures have changed all of us and through this change we are sensing the Lord's leading for the next stage of our lives.

After adopting 6 children, we thought we had a heart for the orphan, but that was only partly true. God has solidified and intensified that desire within us all, including the children and we want our lives to be dedicated to taking care of the orphan. We want to adopt again!

We would love to return to Africa and work there. We have tried to open the doors, but the Lord has kept them closed.

We cannot adopt in England because all adoptions are processed through the Local Authorities and we have already been told by them that we have too many children!!!

So, what is next for us? We will be returning to America where we can adopt.

We are not quite sure of the time frame in which this will happen as there are several hurdles we have to jump through. First we have to get my paperwork in order. I was a permanent resident when we left the States (I had my green card - not citizenship) and because I have been gone from the country for over a year I have lost my right to automatically return. This process should take about 4 to 5 months.

God seems to be opening the doors for us to return because the house we were renting when we left almost 18 months ago is still vacant and a friend of Gary's has some work for him that will help us out while Gary starts his business back up.

Once we return, we have to set up our home again and work to build the business (so we can meet the government's financial requirements) before we can pursue an adoption, but while we wait for those things to happen we will continue to be a voice for the orphan.

We would appreciate your prayers that the paperwork would come through fast so we can start our lives again in Missouri and begin our journey to adoption.

Michelle

Why are we here?

2010-05-21T11:50:00.000-05:00

Gary

The Beauty of His Creation

2010-05-21T02:53:00.001-05:00

Victoria Falls is situation just about 10 miles from where we stayed in Livingstone. It is one of the the 7 natural wonders of the world, so of course we took the opportunity to go and see the handiwork of our Creator.

Despite what it looks like, it was a beautifully sunny day. The 'rain' you see is just the mist from the Falls.

Next week I will give you an update on where we are and what we are planning to do next.

Michelle

Rejoice with those who rejoice

2010-05-20T02:14:00.002-05:00

This week we rejoice at the news that two precious girls have been rescued from a Ukraine orphanage and are now in Colorado with their parents and 5 siblings.

As we watched the news clip of the girls' arrival (HERE) our whole family was overjoyed because we have prayed for Hailee and Harper and their parents as they journeyed through struggles of international adoption. There's is an amazing story of God's leading and provision

Anthony and Adeye are an incredible couple who love the Lord and have truly shown what it means to take care of 'the least of these'. If you would like to follow their story you can do so at Adeye's blog.

Please join us in praying for them as the girls (who both have down syndrome) adjust to their new environment and for the whole family as they prepare to move to the East Coast next week.

Michelle

Jeremiah's Dream Come True

2010-05-14T07:26:00.001-05:00

Long before we ever arrived in Zambia, Jeremiah had a dream. His dream was to give candy to the orphans and we were determined to allow him to fulfill his dream before we had to leave.

During our time in Livingstone we had met Mrs Chara who ran the Ebenezer homes and school. She is a wonderful Christian lady who has done a lot to help the orphans over the last 9 years. She currently runs a school which is the only one in the area which is totally free. She also oversees homes for 30 orphans. So we decided to call her and ask if Jeremiah could give some candy to the orphans that she knew. She happily agreed so the day before we left Zambia we took the long trek to the orphanage. And it was a long trek. We had been there once before in a car but had forgotten quite how far it was. After walking about 5km (approx 3miles) in 90 + temperatures we finally arrived - hot, tired and thirsty. We had run out of water by now, so when the Lord brought a thunderstorm Elaina and Naomi took advantage of the rain.

Once Mrs Chara arrived she took us in to meet the children. The children sang some beautiful songs for us and showed us around their home. We were so humbled by how warmly they accepted us, total strangers - and made us feel so welcome.

Then Jeremiah got to fulfill his dream. I was so excited for him as I watched him (and our other kids) hand out the candy to the children.

It really was the perfect way to end our time in Zambia, giving (albeit only a very little) to those in need.

Michelle

Reaching the children for Christ

2010-05-12T09:11:00.001-05:00

One of the members at the church we attended ran a school in Livingstone. It started with only 3 children, but in the last 6 years has grown and now educates over 200 children and has others on a waiting list.

All education in Zambia has to be paid for by the parents. What makes this school special is that it is aiming to give 10% of their places to orphans and vulnerable children, without charging them a penny. It is also Christian school, one where Christ is freely spoken about and passionately taught.

We were invited to visit the school one morning and share at devotions with the children. What a privilege that was! Once we arrived the children filled out into the courtyard and they began singing praises to the Lord. You can only imagine the beautiful sound that filled the air.

After devotions we were shown around the school, which began in a 3 bedroom house - and is still there. Two extra schoolrooms have been built in the yard, but even with that extra space the children are crowded into every room and closet.

The government is requiring the school to move to a larger facility. So the school is in the process of building. The picture below shows the first 3 classrooms which will hold the older children. Progress is slow as they can only build as they have the funds but they hope to have this first stage complete by the summer.

Once the school is fully built, it should hold up to 600 children, including living accommodation for children who have to travel in from the bush for their education.

Please keep this school in your prayers as they have the opportunity to reach so many of the next generation for Christ, as well as meet the physical needs of some of the orphans in Livingstone.

Michelle

He answered prayers

2010-05-10T02:49:00.000-05:00

The first few days in Livingstone were challenging as we felt lost, not knowing anything about life in Zambia. The only person we knew was the manager of the Guest House in which we were staying, but she was busy and unable to show us around for several days. We had taken a walk into the town center the day after we had arrived and had found a grocery store, but we felt like we were lost - which I guess we were :)

We also felt trapped, as we had no vehicle, but even if we had one I don't know how much difference it would have made because we still didn't know where to go.

So on the first Tuesday morning we sat down as a family and prayed. We asked the Lord to provide us with someone who could show us around, show us where to buy food and large quantities of drinking water.

After praying I decided to try and fix our problems myself. On a previous walk we had found a Catholic Church, so I took the girls and headed over there, looking for someone who would be willing to take us under their wing and help us out a little. I found no one at the church, but spotted a local clinic which was run by British and Zambians. I did ask someone if they could help me and she informed me of where I could buy our drinking water, but that's all she could help me with.

I went back to the guest house a little discouraged. But I should have never have doubted the Lord, I should have just waited patiently on Him because just 2 days later He began to answer our prayers.

On the Thursday our host had some time in her schedule and took us to a local children's village. We spent some time with the Director asking questions about how we need to go about setting up our orphan work etc. During the conversation he made a comment about how they received some equipment for their school and I responded with "The Lord always provides". At this, his face lit up and he asked if we were Christians. We told him we were, and he continued to ask where we went to church. We hadn't found one yet, so he recommended his church. He told us it was a reformed baptist church (which was the same type of church we had been attending). We enquired as to the name of the Pastor. When he told us, we were amazed. You see, before we left England we asked someone in the church in Leeds if they knew of any reformed baptist churches in Livingstone, they did a little homework and came back with the name of one - the only one in Livingstone - the one who the director had just mentioned. What was even more amazing is that as we attended this Baptist Church we found it was only a 10 minute walk from the guest house.

We really were beginning to feel the Lord was directing our steps so we continued to pray that he would find us someone to help us with the culture etc. We specifically asked if He would bring us westerners to help us find our way around, someone who knew what the culture was like where we came from and help us translate what we found in Zambia. He answered our prayers that Sunday.

We attended Trinity Baptist Church and thoroughly enjoyed the teaching and people there. We were the only white faces in the congregation, until about 15 minutes into the service, when some other people walked in. We were curious as to who they might be but didn't think too much of it at the time. After the service they approached us and we discovered they were two brothers and their families. Not only were they Americans, but they grew up in the same area as Gary!! They had lived in Zambia for a year and were working to reach the Lozi people in the Western province. (You can read about their work here)

We spoke with them for a few minutes, then they offered us a ride home - all 17 of us piled into the truck!!!

Later that week they took me shopping, helped explain the culture to us and lent us books that the children could read. They were such a blessing and encouragement to us. We are grateful that the Lord brought them our way.

Moving Mountains

2010-05-03T03:10:00.008-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. It has been a time of living in a new house, getting into a new routine and a time of searching as to what the Lord would have us do next. But, before I continue with what is going on in our lives right now I know that I need to tell you about the Lord's goodness and faithfulness during our time in Zambia.

The first story (that I had promised to tell you) was about how the Lord allowed us to get there.

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when we had to arrive at Heathrow airport 5 hours before our flight was due to leave because of a scheduling conflict with the mini bus that took us there, but the Lord was in the details and He knew it would take just about all of that time to sort out the issues we had.

The first issue was that there was a problem with Deanna's ticket, that alone took an hour or so to correct. The kids were great during this time of waiting, most of them waited patiently until someone (I think it was Daniel) had the idea of using the waiting area as a race track with the small suitcases!!

We were excited when the ticket was sorted and we thought it would be easy going from there - we were wrong!! As the lady was processing our tickets a notice came up on her computer screen asking if we had return flights or valid visas. You see, we had purchased one way flights. We thought we would be in Zambia for well over a year before going anywhere and because we were told we could get our visa in the country we didn't think it would be an issue. A couple of weeks before we left England someone had raised the concern that we may not be able to get in on one way tickets, so I had called the Zambian High Commission, explained what we were going to Zambia to do and asked if one way tickets would be okay. I was assured that we would be just fine and could get our visas once we were in the country. Why should I doubt what the High Commission told me?

So anyway, here we were at the check-in counter with another problem the message on the computer screen said that we had to have return or onward tickets or a valid visa before British Airways would allow us on the plane. The reason being is that the Zambian government had the right to fine British Airways $7500 (5,000 pounds) per person if they allowed someone to come to Zambia without the return flight or proper visa. I explained to the lady that I had spoken to the High Commission and was assured we would be okay. But British Airways wasn't going to budge on their policy for us - and we certainly understood why. Allowing this family of 8 to fly could potentially bring them a $60,000 fine!

So what were we to do? The lady recommended we purchase return flights that were fully refundable. She called the ticket desk and found out the cheapest would be $3,000 (2,000 pounds) a person. WHAT!!! She suggested that we put it on a credit card until we got to Zambia then get the full refund. One problem - we don't own a credit card.

Several years ago the Lord told us to get out of debt, we did and also got rid of our credit cards. If we truly believe that He will provide for our needs then we don't need a credit card which would only tempt us to rely of credit instead of Him.

I have to admit that now I started to cry, then I prayed "Lord, you didn't bring us this far to have us turn around and go home. I am looking to You to move the mountains that stand in our way. Please Lord let me see a miracle here."

Gary stayed at the check-in desk with the kids while the lady to took me to the ticket counter to see if we could find any cheaper flights.

She explained to the ticket agent that were going to Zambia to help the orphans and that we needed the cheapest refundable onward ticket that she could find. They started looking. The cheapest they could find was a flight to Johannesburg, but that would still cost us $400 (250 pounds) each which would have been all the money we had to buy food and set up life in Zambia. I asked them to look again to see if there were any other options. After about 10 minutes of searching the ticket agent looked up at me and said very seriously "If you tell anyone that we have had this conversation I will deny it - I will say I have never met you before" "Okay?" I replied. Then she went on to inform me (very quietly) that all we needed to satisfy British Airways was an itinerary of a flight on which we would leave Zambia so she would print us off an itinerary and - here's the best part - it wouldn't cost us a penny!! Wow!! My jaw dropped and I realized that God had just moved a mountain for us.

The two ladies left me to find a place where they could print the itinerary and I walked back to Gary and the kids with tears in my eyes. When I reached Gary I told him that God had just done the impossible and informed him of what the ticket agent was planning to do for us.

We waited for about 20 minutes before the first lady came back to us. She apologized for taking so long and told us that they had to find another code to use on the computer so what they did wouldn't be traced back to them. Also, during the time they were working on the itinerary a manager came in and asked them if they were having trouble. She jokingly replied to him "You have no idea!!" Thankfully he never looked at what they were doing otherwise their jobs could have been in jeopardy.

Five minutes later the ticket agent came back out to us and gave us the itinerary which showed we had onward flights to Johannesburg in the beginning of April. She handed it to me and again emphasised that she had not done this for us or spoken to us before. At times like that a simple 'thank you' did not seem enough but that was all I could give her. Then she moved back to her desk.

Amazed at what the Lord had done, we then gathered ourselves together and moved on to the departure lounge.

We have had people say things to us like 'you should never have gone to Zambia', 'it couldn't have been His will because you had to come home' but we know that the Lord is in control of all things. If He didn't want us in Zambia at that time He never would have moved the ticket agent's heart to print us an itinerary, or make the eyes of the manager blind to what they were doing. God, only God is in control of all things and He wanted us in Zambia for that time, so He moved the mountains.

Michelle

Quote of the Day

2010-04-14T17:12:00.000-05:00

"I don't daydream - I just get lost in my imagination!"

Jeremiah - age 6

Thank You!

2010-04-10T06:58:00.000-05:00

We cannot tell you how much we have appreciated receiving all of your comments and emails. You have blessed us so much with your kind, encouraging words. We also appreciate your prayers as we continue to seek the Lord for what we should do next.

Thanks again for all your support.

Much Love

Gary and Michelle

Death of a Dream

2010-04-08T02:49:00.000-05:00

It has been almost 3 weeks since I have put up a post. Partly because we have had very limited internet access in Zambia and also because there has been so much that has gone on; much to challenge us and much to confuse us.

Unfortunately the result of all that has happened is that we had to return to England.

I don't even know where to begin to try and explain everything and I know I would bore you with all the details, but the summary is that we found ourselves in a position where we could not trust the person who was the director of the charity we were working with. We have no hard evidence that would allow us to know for sure that this man couldn't be trusted, but once we arrived in Livingstone, we found many 'coincidences' that led to suspicions. We were also given warnings by several godly people and consequently were unable to go forward with this man.

To say it was a hard decision, is truely an understatement. The kids and I shed many tears over this decision and still our hearts ache when we realize we are not in Zambia living the dream we had hoped and longed for; to help children in need, a dream that we believed the Lord had placed in our hearts. We prayed and prayed that the Lord would show us a way in which we could stay, but He never did.

It really broke our hearts to have to come back to England, but without work permits we were unable to stay. We could have extended our visitor visas but we would have been without accomodation, which obviously we could not do.

So we arrived home on Saturday, emotionally hurt, confused and asking many questions such as "Lord why did you make it so clear that we were supposed to go, only to bring us back 1 month later?" "Why Lord did you make us walk the path of giving up everything, if we were only to be gone for such a short time?" As of now we have no answers to these questions, and we may never get them.

I know the trip has not been a wasted one as it has solidified in our children, (and us) the desperate need for the support of the orphan and vunerable children in Africa. Every one of our kids wanted to stay and take care of some of these needy children. Elaina has had an especially hard time with leaving. The night after we had made the decision to return, she came to me in tears. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me that in her mind she could hear the sound of the babies crying and asked why we have to leave them here.

Also, Jeremiah asked if we could just adopt a couple of orphans before we got back on the plane. If only it was that simple!!!

To hear the sweet hearts of my children has encouraged me to ask the Lord to keep their hearts tender toward the needy, maybe this dream of ours will be fulfilled through them.

To explain my own feelings is hard. My arms were so ready to hold more children and my heart so eager to love them - yet we had to leave them behind. If you know me at all, you can imagine how I struggle with this. I continue to cry for them, and selfishly for me as I long to be a mother to more. If there were no children in need I would be more than satisfied with what the Lord has given me, but there are so many children desperately needing a home and I can't give it to any of them - it hurts!!!

So what now, what is next for the Northcutts - we have NO idea. Right now we are back in England, living with my parents. This is a short term arrangement while we look for something permanent.

This is hard, I don't think we have ever been in a situation before where we have no clue what to do. We need to live somewhere, but where? The States is not an option at the moment as we have to reapply for my residency visa (as I have been gone too long) and that costs money. So for now, at least, we will be in England, but where? To stay down south, close to my family or return to Leeds so Gary can volunteer at WEC again (where they desperately need help)?

Does Gary look for work or do we start a family business? If so what type of business/work? So many questions with no answers. We feel desperately lost. We are seeking the Lord for His guidance and trying to wait patiently for answers.

We want to thank those who understand our pain and are supporting us through it as we grieve this death of a dream.

Michelle

Settling in

2010-03-20T06:09:00.001-05:00

Well we have been in Livingstone for two weeks now and slowly becoming familiar with our surroundings.

We are still without internet (I am writing from an internet cafe in town) but have managed to get a cell phone with which we can check our email - so we don't feel quite so far away.

There is so much that has happened in the last two weeks, I just wish I had the time to tell you all of it, but know that our God continues to be faithful. He has led us to a wonderful bible believing church and has allowed us to find some missionaries who can help us understand some of the cultural differences here in Zambia. The amazing thing is that these missionaries are from St Louis Missouri!!! You know the Lord has a sense of humor when he allows us to meet us with people from home when we are half way around the world!!

We have also met with the directors of two local orphanages who are wonderful Christian people and have offered to help us in any way possible

We still have not been able to file our applications for work permits but hope to get a lot closer to getting this accomplished this next week. We also hope to meet with the welfare department who will inform us of what we need to do to be able to take care of some of these orphans.

The need is great - as we walk or drive around town we see children just digging through the trash looking for food. We cannot wait to be able to help them in a bigger way than just giving them food.

This week we will be travelling to Kazangula which is a town about 40 miles west of Livingstone in hopes of finding a home to rent. We are considering moving so far from Livingstone as we hear the situation of the children is even more desperate there.

Please continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord for guidance in all of the decisions we have make over the next few weeks.

Thanks

Michelle

Arrived

2010-03-06T08:16:00.000-06:00

We arrived in Livingstone yesterday about noon. We are all well and trying to get used to the heat (although they tell me it's cool right now!!)

We do not have internet access at the guest house where we are staying, so I am posting this from an internet cafe in town. I'm still learning the money and am not sure how much this is costing ?! so I will update future in a couple of days when I get a grasp on things.

Thanks for your prayers. Please continue as we adjust to life here in Zambia.

Thank you

Michelle

Next stop - Zambia

2010-03-04T02:16:00.003-06:00

Please pray for us today as we fly.

I'll write next from Zambia :)

I Left Everything to Follow You by Michael Card

Though sometimes I grow weary when the road’s getting long
At each point of my weakness You make me strong
And when doubts take over I remember it’s true
I left everything to follow You

To stay safe or to follow You asked me to choose
But how could I fail when I’ve got nothing left to lose?
Without Your Call I couldn’t make it
It’d be impossible to do
To leave everything and follow you.

What is my petty offering
Compared to your sacrifice?
I gave up my home
You left paradise
What you called me to offer
Has really set me free
Cause You left everything to be with me

So with joy I embrace a faith that calls me from home
And I will cling to your promise that I am never alone
And with each passing moment I’ll keep hoping it’s true I left everything to follow you

The Journey Begins

2010-03-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today, we start our journey to Zambia

We leave Leeds around lunchtime and travel south to London where we will spend the night. Tomorrow we catch our flight from Heathrow around 5pm (11am CST) for an 11 hour flight to South Africa.

After a 4 hour layover we will board a plane to Livingstone, Zambia and should arrive around 1pm (5am CST) on Friday.

We would really appreciate your prayers during this time of travel, especially as we have a few that are anxious and a few that are sick with colds.

Thank you

Michelle

One Million Arrows

2010-03-02T01:56:00.000-06:00

I don't often write book reviews on this blog, but today I have to because I want to encourage all parents and grandparents - in fact all Christians to read this book.

The subtitle is 'Raising your children to change the world' and Julie Ferwerda does an excellent job of showing how important our role as parents really is. Too often in this culture we have handed the raising of our children over to the church and school, but One Million Arrows demonstrates clearly how we need to step up to the plate and take back the role which God designed for us.

Julie doesn't leave you hanging on wondering how to do this, but gives wonderful examples from many families who have raised children that are now making a difference in the world.

She also highlights the work of Dr. M.A. Thomas in India who has started homes for thousands of orphaned children and is now seeing them change their world for Christ.

This book has been a great encouragement to us and has helped to mold our vision for the children in Zambia (as well as our own). With the Lord's help we plan to take these children from poverty and raise them not to a normal life, but to a higher level, to a life that is totally dedicated to Christ.

We are joining the challenge of raising One Million Arrows.

We highly recommend this book and encourage all to read it. All profits from the book go towards orphan work.

Michelle

Hiccup

2010-03-01T03:56:00.000-06:00

I wondered if plans for our move were going too smoothly ... well yesterday we encountered a large 'hiccup'.

We had checked thoroughly about visas etc to get into Zambia and had it all worked out. We were informed by the Zambian High Commission in London that we can enter the country with a letter from the charity inviting us to work in the country. Once in Zambia we would then apply for our volunteer worker visas. With this we were satisfied.

Well, yesterday we were advised not to send any of our belongings into the country until we had received our worker visas. This is because if our things arrive before we receive the visas (which will give us permission to stay long term) then we would have to pay duty on all of our household goods!!! And you just know that's not in the budget!!!

The visa could take 8 weeks to be issued (assuming there are no delays). So in theory, if we send our shipping in just a couple of weeks, and after a journey of about 50 days it should arrive after our visas have been received. BUT what happens if our visas are delayed for some reason? We would still end up paying duty on everything. So we have decided to wait until our visas have been approved until we ship our things.

The consequences of this are that after we move out of the guest house in a month, we will then probably be living in an unfurnished house and therefore will be without kitchen equipment, beds, etc for 3 months or longer.

I have to be honest and tell you I have struggled with this. In fact as I write this at 6am I have already been awake for a few hours, wrestling with the Lord over this 'hiccup'. Asking Him questions like, what are we going to do? What will I cook with? What about the children's education? What about their toys and personal things? Is it fair for us to live for so long with just what we can carry in 1 suitcase?

Then the Lord so gently corrected me. 'Michelle, you will have a roof over your head. You will have food. You will have clothes. You will have the people around you that you love. You will have so much more than any of the children that you will be there trying to help.

With that, the Lord left me repentant. How can I complain when I have so much?!

Michelle

A Home

2010-02-27T03:46:00.000-06:00

Praise the Lord we have accommodation in Livingstone - albeit temporary.

The Lord has provided a 3 bedroom guesthouse that we can rent for a month. This will be a perfect base as we look for more permanent accommodation.

Please continue to pray for our long term housing as rental houses are snatched up quickly because there is more demand than supply. We know the Lord will continue to supply our needs but He does like to be asked, so please ask with us.

Oh, and did I mention the guest house has AIR CONDITIONING!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!

Michelle

Friends

2010-02-26T03:18:00.000-06:00

Wednesday afternoons used to be homeschool group. A time when a few homeschooling mums and their children would gather at our home and just relax (Well at least the mums would relax, sometimes the kids got a little wound up!!!)

I have really enjoyed these afternoons and appreciate the friendships that have developed and will continue, even though there will be miles between us.

Last night two of the families treated Gary and I to a date night!! We actually got to spend the whole evening together, alone, just the two of us, no interuptions - it was wonderful.

So thank you my friends for providing the money and the child care to enable us to do this. It was much appreciated.

Michelle

Boxes

2010-02-25T10:24:00.001-06:00

Slowly the packing is progressing. Boxes are starting to fill the dinning room and the hallway.

We are now living out of suitcases as we try to determine what will be shipped, put in suitcases or in our carry on luggage.

Slowly, we are getting organized

BUT ... time is ticking away. The 20ft container will arrive on Tuesday, ready for our van and as many other belongings as we can fit into it.

Wednesday, we travel to WEC's headquarters to spend the night before traveling to London next Thursday to catch our flight to Africa.

NEXT THURSDAY!!!! How did this move sneak up on us so quickly?

Michelle

Saying Goodbye

2010-02-22T03:40:00.001-06:00

Three years ago when Gary informed me that the Lord was calling us to England I didn't have the reaction that you would probably imagine. Instead of rejoicing, I cried. Not tears of happiness, but tears of expectant pain. I had known what it was like to leave my family and to miss them, and while part of me wanted to be near them again in England, I also knew, deep down, that we wouldn't be staying here forever and would therefore have to go through the pain of leaving again.

My tears did not last long as that initial pain turned to joy when I imagined the times I would spend with them. This last year has been full of joyful occasions including meeting my 3 year old nephew for the first time last Easter and seeing my niece when she was just a week old.

We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these new members of the family, as well as spending time with the 'older' ones.

BUT, now it's time to leave again. Time to feel the pain that 3 years ago I knew would come. Time to cry whilst realizing how precious it is to have a family that you love and that loves you.

A couple of weeks ago, I said goodbye to my brother and his family. Yesterday it was my sister and her family and next week I will go through this again as I say goodbye to my parents.

Why do I put myself and them through it?

If I want to be obedient to my Heavenly Father, then I do not have a choice. He has clearly called us to Zambia and we need to go.

Yesterday I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future".

So, amidst the pain I have so much peace in knowing that my Father's plans for me are the best - and I wish to be nowhere else but in His will.

Michelle

Another quick update

2010-02-19T08:32:00.003-06:00

We are planning to leave Leeds within the next hour to go and visit my family, but I wanted to give a quick update on our move before we left.

Flights are booked. We will be leaving England March 4th and arriving in Livingstone, Zambia on March 5th.

Shipping is still not confirmed. We are hoping to ship our belongings on March 1st but are still waiting for a few questions to be answered before we confirm that.

Accommodation is also not confirmed. We do have the possibility of staying in a guest house for the first month, but we are still hoping to secure a more permanent housing before we leave.

The packing is coming along albeit slowly. The kids are now living out of suitcases and most of the other clothes and books are packed.

We are confident that the Lord will work all these things out in time for our arrival. He has not brought us this far in our journey just to leave us homeless.

Please continue to pray for us. That we would be diligent with our time and wise in our decisions. Thank you.

Michelle

Down to Dartmoor

2010-02-17T03:27:00.000-06:00

The next stop on our travels around England was to Devon to spend 3 days with my brother and his family.

They live in a small village on the edge of Dartmoor, an absolutely beautiful part of the country. While we were there we celebrated Gary's 40th birthday. I have to publicly thank my sister-in-law as she totally spoiled him. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, birthday cake in the afternoon and Ben and Jerry ice cream for an evening treat.

If you know Gary at all, then you know he loves chocolate. What better gift could this American receive than chocolate covered oreos (along with a lot of other chocolate)!!

We spent a few hours of Gary's birthday letterboxing (which is like a treasure hunt) on Dartmoor. We walked for a while before finding the first clue, but once the older children had got the hang of it they were eager to continue to find more.

At times the walking was hard, especially for the little ones. Deanna made a comment to me while trying to navigate her way over some rocks that "it wasn't a good idea to do this for Daddy's birthday!" But once she made it to the top her attitude changed and she had a lot more fun.

The temperature wasn't too cold but we decided to return to the house once the clouds descended and the rain arrived.

Dartmoor really is a beautiful part of God's wonderful creation.

Michelle

Quick update

2010-02-13T01:20:00.003-06:00

The flights are booked and paid for. Scary but done :)

We have found a shipping company that will take our belongings from Leeds to Livingstone. We are just waiting on a couple of questions to be answered and hopefully will be ready to book that on Monday.

Still looking for accommodation, but we do have something that might work for us. We should know by this evening if it will, then I can fill you in on the details.

Still packing. Yesterday we began to pack suitcases. I find it easier to pack all the suitcases early and live out of them for a couple of weeks than to wait until the last minute and find we don't have enough space.

So little by little we are getting there.

ONLY 19 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!

Michelle

Moreton-in-Marsh

2010-02-13T01:02:00.004-06:00

On Monday morning the kids awoke itching to go out and explore the marsh which is situated right next to my parents home.

Of course, we were happy to agree. We walked and explored for almost an hour. Paddling in the stream and consequently finding out who had leaky boots!!.

Yes, that is a little snow on the ground. Unfortunately it didn't last long as the sun was warm that morning. Actually, for those of us who didn't have boots we had to get back quick because as the ice melted, the ground returned to it's marshy conditions and we began to sink and get very muddy.

We also had to return as my sister was visiting with her baby who is just a few months old.

We had a great time visiting with them both. The baby is becoming more responsive now and all the children wanted their turn in holding her. Deanna really enjoyed just sitting, watching and holding hands.

Michelle

Road Trip!!

2010-02-12T10:28:00.002-06:00

Last week we took a road trip. Traveled 850 miles (which is quite a lot in England) over 8 days and visited with many friends and family. I hope to share our journey with you over the next few days.

We began our journey on a Saturday and stayed at my parent's home (although they were away in Thailand) and used it as a base for 3 days. The next day we visited Upper Stratton Baptist Church which is where I worshiped for the first 22 years of my life. The building has changed quite a lot since I left, but there were still many of the same faces (and many new ones too).

I had the privilege of sharing with the Church about the journey the Lord has taken us on over the last 16 years and about what the Lord is doing with us now by leading us to Zambia. I also enjoyed chatting with people, many of whom I have not seen for a number of years.

One very dear friend of mine (who now lives 2 hours from the Church) got her family up early and drove all the way to the church in time for the 11 am service. After Church we went out for lunch and spent the afternoon together.

It was a wonderful time of catching up on news and watching the children thoroughly enjoy each others company. But good times come to an end so quickly, don't they? And before we knew it, the time had come to say goodbye. Goodbyes are never easy, but when you don't know how many years will pass before you see each other again, it just makes it that much harder. I do thank God though, because I know that our friendship is strong enough to survive the miles and time apart and of course emails and Skype make bridging that gap so much easier.

After leaving my friend and her family we began our journey back to my parents home. On the way we stopped at some friends of my parents who I know wanted to be filled in about our move to Zambia. We stayed there for about an hour before continuing our journey.

A day full of friends, well behaved children (thankfully!!) and many happy memories.

Michelle

Emotions

2010-02-10T03:00:00.000-06:00

I have been asked to give an update on our preparations to move. So here it is.

Practically, we are getting there, albeit slowly. We have found flights that will work for us and will be booking them today - or at least transferring the money to the States today. We will purchase the tickets when the money arrives in the US as the company we are working with offers special prices for missionary and humanitarian work but in order to keep their prices low, charges the extra 3% if we pay by credit card.

We are still looking for a shipping company. The concern is not so much, how to get our things across the ocean, but choosing a company to transport the container from Durban, South Africa to Livingstone, Zambia. We also have to send our vehicle as we have been advised it will be cheaper than buying one in Zambia - with that comes the challenge of finding somewhere to load the van onto the container.

I have finally started packing. Due to having to rent a 20ft container (because of the van) we will be able to get more of our belongings shipped.

We are still looking for accommodation for when we arrive in Livingstone. Please pray that the Lord will provide that soon.

All our vaccinations are now completed - Praise the Lord!! I have to boast on our children for just a moment. They all did so well - out of all the vaccinations they received we saw tears only once.

So physically we are getting there. Emotionally - well, that's a lot harder.

Last week we spent time with some family and friends, enjoying each other's company and saying goodbye. That is not easy. And there is a lot more of that to come.

The biggest emotional hurdle that Gary and I face right now has been actually purchasing the flights. It is not that we aren't willing to part with the money, but we are struggling to make that final commitment. Once the tickets are purchased we know we are actually going. Going to Zambia; going to a country to which neither of us has ever been.

Looking back, the transition from America to England was relatively easy. Obviously I knew the country and culture well, and so did the family as we have visited many times over the years. BUT AFRICA!!! Hold on Lord, we don't know what to expect when we go there! We don't know the culture, we don't know our way around, we don't know much of anything.

Now, I realize I'm probably over reacting, but to be honest the thought of getting on that plane and flying into the unknown scares Gary and I and what makes it harder is taking the 6 children with us. We are so used to them coming to us and being able to explain why things happen, or what we need to do to get things accomplished - But I know I won't have those answers for them as I imagine we will feel lost when we arrive. And maybe that feeling will last for a long time.

It's also okay to go to a strange place for a vacation and finding it hard because you always come home from a vacation after only a short time. But this is no vacation. The Lord, in His wisdom, has only given us enough money for a one way ticket. Once we go we will be there for a long time. Livingstone will be home for us. Home in a strange place, strange surroundings, strange sounds, strange sights, hot temperatures (YUK!!) but still HOME.

Going is SO hard.

BUT... WE WILL GO!!

God has made it so clear that moving to Zambia is what we need to do, and so we will. He has shown us many times through scripture that we need to go. We have come from a place where 10 weeks ago we were struggling to find enough money for food, to a place where the Lord has provided abundantly and we now have enough money for our flights and shipping (which isn't a small amount for 8 people!!) And most excitedly, He has prepared our childrens' hearts for the work in Zambia. If we choose not to go, then everything we have tried to teach the children will be worth nothing. It is time for us, as parents, to lead by example and obey God - even when it's hard.

Christ sacrificed his own life for me, which makes complaining about leaving my comfort zone sound really pitiful!!!

So today we will book flights and in 22 days (March 4th) we will leave England, following Christ, trusting in Christ, knowing He holds the future in His hands -and His plans for us are GOOD.

A big thank you to all who have been praying for us, please don't stop now.

Michelle

She Caught the Vision

2010-02-10T01:43:00.001-06:00

The other day Elaina came into see me at about 9:30 at night. She was sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she answered that she didn't want to go to Africa because she didn't want to see children dying in our home!!

I held her and hugged her. I reassured her that I knew of several people that were taking care of orphans who had not had a single child die in their home. But I couldn't promise her it wouldn't happen. What I did promise her, and can promise her is that God will be with us through every trial, every heartache and He will give us enough strength to cope with whatever happens. While it would be very hard, the Lord is our Father who will comfort us and heal us.

We continued to talk and I asked her what would happen if we didn't go. She came to the conclusion that the child would still die, but may die alone, on the streets and most devastatingly without knowing the love of Jesus.

Then I asked her what would happen if we took care of that child. Together we concluded that if they were still going to die, they would leave this world having known the love of a family, having heard the love of Jesus and if they accept Christ then they would die with the hope and promise of eternal life with Him.

Suddenly Elaina's face lit up. She saw the vision, the purpose for our going. Not only to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, but to tell them the good news of Christ.

I was so pleased when I saw her turn and literally skip back to bed. The Lord had not just given her a peace about going, but JOY!!

Michelle

Changes around the house

2010-02-09T00:48:00.002-06:00

One of Gary's goals before we leave, is to prepare our flat for the next group of people that, at some time, will be coming to live here.

It was decided that the best use of the space was to divide some of the rooms to make a 1 bed self contained flat and 5 other bedrooms.

This has meant building walls!!

We now have a wall in our bedroom, making it too small to fit our double bed in, so we have moved to the schoolroom. There is also another wall in the schoolroom, which divided the large room into a double and a single bedroom.

Finally, there is a wall built in our living/dinning area. Until that wall was finished it made a wonderful climbing frame for the kids

Last week the drywall was hung and this week Gary has to put in the 3 new doors needed.

All this while we try to prepare for leaving!

Michelle

Zambia Update

2010-01-29T02:13:00.000-06:00

It took a while but thanks for waiting for the update.

We met with Brian yesterday and everything is looking good for our move to Livingstone.

The charity has been set up, and is waiting just for final approval which should happen by the end of today or the beginning of next week. We have been assured that there shouldn't be any complications with this. The name of the charity is LOVE AFRICA ORPHANAGE.

So now we are looking for accommodation. Brian's sister is in Livingstone and will be looking at rental properties for us next week. Once the accommodation is sorted out we will book our flights.

We are planning to leave England on March 6th. That leaves us 5 weeks to get ready; 5 weeks of craziness!! Actually we really only have 4 weeks, as tomorrow we leave Leeds and travel south to visit family and friends for 8 days. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, but the goodbyes will be hard.

There is an area in which we really would appreciate your prayers for wisdom. Once we get back from our trip south we need to ship our belongings. There are so many options open to us and right now we are confused as to what to do. It is a lot harder and more expensive to get things from England to Zambia than it was from American to England.

Some of the questions we are wrestling with are:

Do we ship furniture as we will have none in Zambia?
If we do ship it what do we use until our shipping arrives (that is if we can't get furnished rental accommodation)?
Do we send some of our things (like school books, toys etc) by air as it will take so long to get there by sea? (You know we have experienced the frustration of shipping taking 3 times as long as it should have done).
Do we ship our van? We have been advised to do so as it will be cheaper than buying one there?

Ahhhh - so many questions and right now, so few answers. Can you see why we are asking for wisdom?

Also please keep the children in your prayers at this time. They are so ready to go to Zambia - which is wonderful - but at the same time I know that moving is very unsettling for them (ok, ok - I'll be honest, it's unsettling for ALL of us). Please pray that the Lord would give them (and us) a peace and calmness during this time.

Thank you.

Michelle

The price of beauty

2010-01-28T05:14:00.004-06:00

One of Deanna's Christmas presents was to get her ears pierced. She had told us she wanted them done, but on a couple of occasions since she had changed her mind.

Well, we were certainly not going to force this upon her, but on Friday we were in Leeds City Center and asked her if she would like to get her ears pierced. She agreed.

So off we went to the jewelers.

Deanna was a star. They pierced one ear at a time (which did concern us a little as we thought she might change her mind after the first one was done) and although she looked worried, not a tear was shed.

Michelle

Obedience ... In Action

2010-01-23T03:51:00.000-06:00

Over the last couple of weeks in our home school we have been studying obedience. We have been asking the question - what does it mean to obey the authorities God has placed over us and especially to obey God himself? Well, today I had the privilege of reading to my family two blog posts specifically relating to obedience to God. As I read I fought to hold back the tears because I saw lives being changed and God being glorified.

One was about Katie, a single woman who lives in Uganda. She has been so obedient in the past, yet like all of us still struggles when God calls us to do more. She wrote yesterday about a time recently when God asked her to go far beyond her comfort zone and reach out to an elderly lady. You can read about it HERE

The other is Adeye and her family. She is someone I have met through blogging and has become a precious friend over the last few months, we have spoken over the phone, but hope to one day meet in person. Adeye and her husband have amazed me as I have watched their obedience to the Lord. They are preparing to rescue two girls from an Eastern European orphanage. Both the girls have downs syndrome. This in itself would be amazing, but even more so is the fact that they already have 5 children, (1 of whom has special needs) and they home school.

Now, I know you are probably thinking she must be 'supermom' being able to handle all this, but you know, she is just like you and me. She's a little scared, but is willing to be obedient - to step outside of the 'comfortable' life and trust Jesus. You can read about Adeye's story HERE.

The difference between them and most of us is that they obey despite their fears, despite the sacrifices they have to make. Why? Because they LOVE God; because they know that God will give them what they need; because they know God will enable them to do what He asks of them, with His strength; because they have obeyed in the past and know that God is faithful.

Their kind of obedience is what God is calling all of us to. Just imagine with me, what this world would look like and how many would be brought to Christ if only we would be prepared to give up our 'western' dreams and live a life that is truly obedient to Christ.

Michelle

Truth? PART 2

2010-01-22T04:08:00.002-06:00

Biblical Christian

World View - God is in absolute control of everything. His will is clearly revealed in
the Bible. God is totally committed to and actively involved in fulfilling His
will.

Beliefs - I believe God's will is to bring redemption through Jesus Christ to all
nations of the earth. I believe I am blessed to be a blessing and therefore to
actively participate in His redemptive purpose.

Values - I think it best to seek first the Kingdom of God. To find my part in
fulfilling God's plan. To be obedient to His revealed will for my life and
to dedicate all that I have for the accomplishment of His purposes.

Behaviour - I adopt a lifestyle that will glorify Christ and enable me to fulfill my
part in His redemptive purpose through all the seasons of my life.

Is this what you see from scripture a Biblical Christian should be?

Are you striving to become this person? If not, what is holding you back?

Gary

Truth? PART 1

2010-01-21T04:40:00.000-06:00

Christian

World View - God is basically in control. His will is contained in the Bible but because of
differing theological views it is difficult to understand.

Beliefs - I believe Jesus died on the cross for my salvation. If I live true to His word
He will bless me throughout my life. When I die, I will go to heaven.

Values - I think it is best to live a good life-to pursue holiness and righteousness, to
read my Bible, to witness when I have opportunity, to belong to a Church,
tithe and participate to the best of my ability in its activities.

Behaviours - I try to be good, to obey the Bible, to do the things expected of a Christian
both in Church and in society.

Please leave a comment as to what you think about this list.

Come back tomorrow for PART 2

Gary

Obedience

2010-01-10T15:50:00.000-06:00

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses.....
Exodus 4:10-14

How many of us are saying NO to God? What kind of excuses are you using? Are you saying, No God I can't leave my family; No God I have a good job; No God, people are depending on me here; No God, I just got everything the way I like it; No God, I am comfortable!!!! No God ______________! (You fill in the blank)

Just remember, God is still calling and He expects us all to obey. Just like He did Moses, Abraham, Jonah, David, Paul, Peter, and Yes even Jesus.

Gary

More sledding fun!!

2010-01-10T09:37:00.003-06:00

Yesterday morning we were up and out before the crowds reached the hills in the park. In fact, we were the first ones there. For 2 hours we enjoyed the slopes.

Nicholas enjoyed seeking out the ramps and flying.

We have really enjoyed the snow over the last few weeks, but as I type it is raining :(

We are hoping it may snow again before we leave, but if it doesn't we still have the memories and the pictures to prove that it can and does snow in England!!!

What life do you want?

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

We need to awaken to this idea that it's good to trade in something small for something HUGE! Its not bad, Its not crazy but good. Something small which God thinks we should trade in, is the lives you and I run, lives that you and I are in charge of, lives you and I have programmed out to their end conclusion - We need to trade that kind of life in for a life that fits in to this grand epic that is going on around us right now - which is the story of GOD, which is about GOD, which centers in GOD, which came from GOD, and ends in GOD, which IS GOD!

The tragedy for me and you would be that we would hang on to a little bitty life and never awaken to the Grand Story that's going on all around us at this very moment, that is Jesus Christ the Living Son of GOD! Not to someone we've read about or heard about at Church or sat around at a Bible study and talked about but that we would awaken to the face of the Living Son of GOD and that we would see Him and touch Him and be touched by Him and know in that moment, in the exchange, in that interaction, that He is better than everything in the whole world. That He is the very best thing there is. Once we see that, it makes it easy for us to unlock that process of trading in something little for something BIG!!!!

Louie Giglio
Passion Conference
2010
Main Session 1

Gary

Although a lot is good too!!

2010-01-05T04:56:00.003-06:00

I woke up this morning to just a dusting of snow, but within an hour we had 2 inches on the ground ... and it has just kept snowing.

As of 2pm British time we have almost 5 inches - which is an amazing amount for this part of England.

I was talking to someone at the shops today who said it has been years since they have had a snowfall as big as this.

We feel so blessed to have the snow - and are making the most of it as our days of snow are numbered due to our move to Zambia next month.

We spent the morning playing in it and plan to enjoy a less crowded sledding hill tomorrow as the rest of the kids should be back in school. Oh, the benefits of homeschooling and a flexible schedule!!!

Michelle

Just a little snow works

2010-01-03T13:33:00.005-06:00

As you can see there wasn't much snow that fell, but that didn't matter.

Because behind the place where we live is Springhead Park, which is home to the most wonderful sledding hill.

The hill is steep enough that as long as the ground is frozen, it doesn't take much snow to turn it into a wonderful place to sled .... or fly!!

Thankfully only a few bruises were received in exchange for a wonderful hour of fun by all.