California, here I come!

Over the past two and a half years, I've come to grips with the fact that the missions opportunities I'm facing are stateside.  When we hear the word, "missions" we think internationally.  Y'all, weekly I'm face to face with opportunities to love other people where they are.  I'm given the chance to pray for and with various employees throughout the county, as well as their families.  Each of us, no matter who or where we are, need consistent encouragement along the way.  There are days that I want to put my head (or someone else's) through a wall due to #hrlife.  It's a give and take.  :)  But God uses me and those people in the process to refine, encourage, and serve as a reminder of His faithfulness in our lives.  I long to "go" still but I'm enjoying the opportunity to stay as well. 

As many of you know, I found my biological family back in 2010 after years of various searches and Columbo style investigating.  I have met and maintained a relationship with my biological mother and her family.  Since my biological father and his family are on the West Coast, it's been a little challenging.  There was a time about 4 years ago that a friend and I were going to head out there to meet them but things came up and it never happened.  After coming back from Tres Dias last Sunday, I saw that my biological father's wife had posted a concerning status so I reached out to see if things were okay.  As it turns out, he has colon cancer that has spread to his stomach and he will be having surgery in a few months if his heart can withstand it.  First he has to do 8 weeks of chemo and then they'll remove his stomach and gall bladder. 

My immediate thought was, "I have to go."  I know I would regret not going if something happened to him but I also felt an urgency to share the gospel in a tangible way.  I'll avoid specifics for now but for the time being, I am asking you to pray.  For healing, a healthy visit (for each of us involved), for Christ to be seen by us all, and even for salvation.  The beauty of not going to Rio or Italy is that this trip is now possible.  God has this and He has me.  Why do I doubt that in the midst of chaos or disappointment?  He is faithful.  So no matter what you're facing today, know that you are loved and fought for.

FYI...Dates for the trip are August 12-14.  I'm staying in Santa Clara for 2 nights and then visiting with some good friends in San Francisco the last two.