Like...They are Going with STRANGERS?!?! Sayonara Part 1- Join Us on the new thread!

[that's nice]

T-I won't tell if you pick the flower.

L-Really?! You won't??

Of course I won't!

T-Who will go down the slide more.. you or Maroo????

L-Probably me. Or LeeAnn. She's a major daredevil, and loves to water ski and drive the boat!

As long as LeeAnn isn't water skiing WHILE driving the boat!

T-Yes! You have to try the 100% from Kona Cafe too!

L-If the money is there, I'll do it.

I think the pressed pot is $7

T-Adult swingers... huh?

L-Just meaning that I want to be part kid, AND part adult on this trip. The Poly has a little for everyone.

Sorry.. I was just being a *******.

T-Ummm you might be pushing it with the reading.

L-Yes, I admit, I'm not much for being quiet like that too often, but in contemplation of my blessings, I may take a journal.

Or you can catch up writing your notes for the wonderful TR you will write when you get back!

T-A nice HM hunt is good for the soul.. so I hear.

L-They are!!! They are!



T-You'd be proud of me.. I expanded my sushi love when I went to Indiana. I'm sure you will be able to find some yummy sushi here.

L-I'm impressed!! Did you work up to raw fish yet?

I'm not sure.. LOL I had a spicy tuna roll and a Philly roll. I'm not sure if either of these had raw fish.

T-Here are my opinions. I think your Poly stay sounds wonderful.

L-Your opinions count in the land of TC3!

Awwww Thanks!

 

[All7OfUs]

Take it from your leader... ********* are always welcome- they lighten things up, and make it fun here, when all else in the real world is not.

 

[maroo]

Well....speak for yourself...if she steals the flower, I am TOTALLY telling!

Just kiddin'.

I don't really do slides...at least not kid ones? Is this an adult slide? I love slides at water parks?

And Lee Ann skies AND drives the boat? That sound dangerous.

Liesa - I am glad that you seem to be better about your crisis. Hang in there! Many are praying for you.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'd like a steak with a side of PERSPECTIVE!

Perspective- often times life boils down to perspective. Our world view, our given moods at any given time, and even how we view a trip to Disney World. It can change according to our circumstances, and even can drive or shape our circumstances at times.

Ours had changed over the last months. Many things have fed that depletion, and recently we had some folks come AWAYYYYYYYYYYYY out here to give us a dose of perspective. Let me expound, if I may.

I have told you that my world was rocked; it is a very real feeling that will come into focus over time, and here is what transpired. This is not a situation that transpired overnight, but has rather been brewing for quite some time, in fact. We knew it, and felt it, but because of so many circumstances, we lost the perspective to see things as they really are.

First of all, let me give you some more background to set the scene. As I've said before, we live in a very isolated place. There is only a small (4 to be exact) contingent of other ex-pats living within 8 hours of us. All of them are either too busy to interact, or we simply have NOTHING in common (other than English) with them. Skype has helped, but there's nothing like face-to-face interaction to ease the lonliness one can feel out here on the open steppe.

Secondly, the nature of our work requires huge emotional output. We pour into others' lives all week long.

By nature, this place is also simply difficult to live in logistically. We are not and have not been "comfortable" for almost 9 years. If the tax department is not giving us grief, the water is off. If the electricity is not off, our neighbor is putting up a fence, stealing 1/2 our yard. No one is entitled to a life of comfort, and we DID count the cost when we chose our profession, but it has taken it's toll- on our kids, on us personally, and on our marriage.

Thirdly, our 4th child, a son, Zach, was born with some syndrome (probably genetic) that has never been labelled. He was evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team, but the results were "inconclusive". He's seen every kind of specialist known to the Western world, and all they could tell us is that he is functioning at the lowest level of "normal". Over the years, he has slipped further and further behind in his school performance, even with one-on-one homeschooling. But he needs intervention that I just cannot give anymore. Speech therapy is becoming really necessary. Besides, I am spent. I need a break.

Furthermore, we have 3 kids who will graduate this year, next year, and in 3 years. Shepherding third culture kids back into their passport culture takes careful watchcare, and intensive input. It shouldn't be taken lightly, and we need to be an integral part of that process for them.

Lastly, my DH has been unhappy in his specific job role for quite some time. He is a trained hydro-geologist and water engineer, who loves science. But most of his job has been relational in nature, apprenticing, so to speak, others in how to implement water projects, as well as in other areas of "life". He is the one who spends enormous hours just doing logisitcal things to keep us "more comfortable" (ie, fixing our roof, keeping our cistern working, or fighting with road police). It has drained him to the point of near burn-out- a point of distorted perspective.

So, to re-cap, we have no fellowship, kids needing attention to life circumstances, weariness, job dissatisfaction, and tweaked perspective.

Although this has been building up for a long time, we knew at some point we'd have to face these issues and make some hard decisions. It seems now that those may be going to be made for us. We had a visit last week from our area and regional leadership who know how to get to the points that need to be talked about. Quite frankly, they were alarmed at what they observed. We are not crashing and burning, but it was obvious that this family needs to think seriously about doing things sooner than later. So, to cut straight to the chase, they are HIGHLY recommending that rather than in a year and a half we leave when our son, 18, graduates in June, and take a lengthy sabbatical. They really came just one short step away from requiring this.

Honestly, I cannot fathom wrapping up our lives and finishing out well here in only 6 months! We have a home that we'd have to sell, stuff to deal with, work to hand off, AND we just had a teammate move here to join us!!!! I would feel awful leaving her now!!

As you can see these are weighty issues, and cannot be decided too quickly.

On a lighter note, I don't think it will affect our trip. If we move back in June, I will simply have to knock off the POP part- and there won't be a Thailand. If we stay, it'll for sure happen because, things will just be as planned.

We are blessed, we have many, many people praying with and for us, and have some amazing counsel from people who really care about us, but really it comes down to what the Lord tells us. We really need His wisdom and presence as we seek answers and direction.

Thanks for your support guys!!! It means a lot! REALLY, I DO MEAN THAT!

I am going to keep this thread up and running, as it doesn't look like this will impact the trip, and I need this to stay entertained at the very least

 

[that's nice]

Liesa-
I didn't realize you have been there for 9 years. I know that you know what you need to do for you, your DH, and your kids. We will be here supporting you in whatever decision you make. I hope that you are still able to make your WDW trip.

 

[shannn]

Liesa,

There comes a time when change is necessary even though you feel an obligation to continue to make things work in the status quo. While your amazing outpouring of yourself to others is what makes you so special, the time has come for you to shower yourself and your family with that same love. I know He will guide you to the right decision. Give yourself time to be silent and listen ~~ that's the very hardest thing for me to do. I always want to tell and ask instead of listen!

Know that whatever decision you make we are all here to support you. I know things will work out exactly as they are supposed to!

 

[winkers]

Liesa,

I'm not good at giving 'waiting on the Lord" advice, because frankly I suck at it. My motto is Lord please grant me patience.....and I want it RIGHT NOW!

So, instead of inspiring words of wisdom I'll give you a hug and my prayers.

 

[eandesmom]

Sometimes I think holding on to those things that are outside of the weighty concerns of "real life" truly help us get through the mud. Help us see the forest through the trees. I know my trip planning does that for me, I hope it does a little bit of it for you as well.

Nine years. Wow.

Sometimes the greatest strength one can display is knowing when to stop, when to admit it's enough. When to stop so that there is something left to give to yourself and to those you hold most dear. Wrapping it up in 6 months, versus 18, methinks is just a number. Do what is right for you and listen, it will become clear, of that I am sure.

I wish you peace and clarity. And strength. We are here and HE is here.

 

[maroo]

Sometimes it takes someone coming in from the outside to give perspective that is just not possible from the inside. Things change day to day, but when you are there every day, you just don't notice the changes.

But it takes massive courage to actually hear the different perspective and really consider it. That is not easy to do and I applaud you for being open to their leadership and guidance.

I am continuing to pray for you guys. I am hoping that doors either open or close so that walking with Him would be easy to discern (although still possibly hard to do) and that you would just take His hand and move forward.

Moving across town is a big undertaking in 6 months...so I can't imagine what that looks like - moving halfway across the world. I am sure the logistics are unimaginable and will take an act of God to make it work. But I believe He will act. One way or another.

To keep this post on topic - I am so glad that our trip is still on!

I am sure you will have LOTS to take care of in the near future! We are here for you! And certainly will provide some entertainment!!

 

[reelmom]

Wow! That's all I have to say. Continued prayers for your family.

 

[All7OfUs]

Thanks so much to all of you who've sent your love and thoughts!!! I will definitely respond to each of you soon, maybe in my morning, but would rather just keep it lighter for the rest of the evening, and surf your reports

Have a wonderful day all of you!!


By the way, I just put up 2 updates on my blog (link is the camel pic below). I know it's been a while since I"ve had time to attend to that...

 

[jordanyosh]

I just got to Anaheim-my place of employment. Other than emptying the trash, this last update was the first piece of "business", I attended to. Dad has a way, doesn't he?

Ah...perspective. I know that all too well when it comes to the line of work we're in. I thank Dad everytime I receive words from those outside of my situation. They are able to see things I am not able to see.

What would happen when you got back here? Financially speaking. Where is your home base here in the States?

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, Liesa. My prayers are with you and your family. Tough choices are what make us stronger, and I know that you will make the decision that's right for you and your family. Often, when I have moments where I don't think I can bear anymore, that's when God has given me my moments of clarity. In the mean time, we're here for you.

 

[tinkgurl]

Liesa, you need a hug!

I didn't know you've been there for 9 years! I'm sorry to hear things are not going well. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know you can make it through. You'll always have your DIS family to fall back on.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Liesa s to you!

Your post and blog are truly inspiring to me. I could never fathom living in another country Not because I wouldn't want to, but because I am simply not brave enough to leave what is familar to me. You are an inspiration because you were brave enough and in doing so gave your children amazing experiences, education, and upbringing. What every happens in the next 6 months, none of that will ever be forgotten by them.

Your views on perspective remind me of the change in perspective I had after the birth of our 3rd daughter, Bella. Before Bella, an ear infection in one of my daughters would bring me to tears. Before Bella, perfect hair, pretty dresses, and clean faces were a priority. Before Bella, spending time making connections and socializing often took precedent over family time. But having a child with special medical needs has changed all of that. We have learned that no matter what, our family's health and happiness is our number 1 priority. We also learned to appreciate what we do have and not dwell on what we don't. You obviously have your family's best interest at heart and I know you will make the right decision. It will not be an easy one either way, but your choice will be guided by a pure heart and a strong faith.

 

[Pollito916]

Liesa - I know you and your family will make the best decision for all of you and everything will work out in the end. In the mean time, you will all be in my t&p.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa-
I didn't realize you have been there for 9 years. I know that you know what you need to do for you, your DH, and your kids. We will be here supporting you in whatever decision you make. I hope that you are still able to make your WDW trip.

Sometimes, it seems like just yesterday we had that first "glow" of something new and exciting, and that the time here has flown by; other times it feels like "why am I still doing this??". Like every job it has it's ups and downs. Lately though, it just seems like there are more downs that ups.

I"m 95% sure I can still swing the trip, but if it works out that we do indeed come home in June (not likely) then I know the POP part will be toast. (Because the Thailand trip will most likely be off, and what would be the point, then?)

Liesa,

There comes a time when change is necessary even though you feel an obligation to continue to make things work in the status quo. While your amazing outpouring of yourself to others is what makes you so special, the time has come for you to shower yourself and your family with that same love. I know He will guide you to the right decision. Give yourself time to be silent and listen ~~ that's the very hardest thing for me to do. I always want to tell and ask instead of listen!

Know that whatever decision you make we are all here to support you. I know things will work out exactly as they are supposed to!

You are so right. And we've know we needed to make this change for a very long time. Just never thought it'd be crunch time to put action to it. I doubt very much we'll physically be ABLE to leave in June, but perhaps by Christmas is more likely??

Liesa,

I'm not good at giving 'waiting on the Lord" advice, because frankly I suck at it. My motto is Lord please grant me patience.....and I want it RIGHT NOW!

So, instead of inspiring words of wisdom I'll give you a hug and my prayers.

Thanks so much Cherie! It IS so hard to be patient. But strangely I AM at peace, and instead of feeling all ansty, like I was the other day, I'm just not. I know it's just a matter of dialoguing this through with others, and then taking one step at a time.

Sometimes I think holding on to those things that are outside of the weighty concerns of "real life" truly help us get through the mud. Help us see the forest through the trees. I know my trip planning does that for me, I hope it does a little bit of it for you as well.

Nine years. Wow.

Sometimes the greatest strength one can display is knowing when to stop, when to admit it's enough. When to stop so that there is something left to give to yourself and to those you hold most dear. Wrapping it up in 6 months, versus 18, methinks is just a number. Do what is right for you and listen, it will become clear, of that I am sure.

I wish you peace and clarity. And strength. We are here and HE is here.

Yes, strength of character... knowing when to stop. That's perspective!!

You're right it IS just a number. All we can do is take steps to wrap it up, and whether that takes 6,8 or 10 is just "what it is".

I do need something that is outside all of this. Planning a trip is just the therapy, I think. Although, I was lamenting to maroo the other night, I'm glad I could pour so much time into doing just that over the last months, because now my time for planning may be less. At least I could go even tomorrow and know what/ and how would be important for that trip. Even if I was to drop the planning ball right now, Mary could still get our ADRs since we've done most of that deciding stuff.

Sometimes it takes someone coming in from the outside to give perspective that is just not possible from the inside. Things change day to day, but when you are there every day, you just don't notice the changes.

But it takes massive courage to actually hear the different perspective and really consider it. That is not easy to do and I applaud you for being open to their leadership and guidance.

I am continuing to pray for you guys. I am hoping that doors either open or close so that walking with Him would be easy to discern (although still possibly hard to do) and that you would just take His hand and move forward.

Moving across town is a big undertaking in 6 months...so I can't imagine what that looks like - moving halfway across the world. I am sure the logistics are unimaginable and will take an act of God to make it work. But I believe He will act. One way or another.

To keep this post on topic - I am so glad that our trip is still on!

I am sure you will have LOTS to take care of in the near future! We are here for you! And certainly will provide some entertainment!!

I agree, someone who hasn't been IN the situation is sometimes the very best one to point out what is missing (or in excess!). It's great to have such support, even if they do come only once a year or so. Like I said before, all we can do is take one step at a time, and move forward as we are lead. We love the open/closed doors analogy.

I talked to our M. shepherd last night, who just happens to be LeeAnn's husband (she was at a school board meeting- remember, for those of you who joined us aWAYYYYYYYY back then, LeeAnn is a school board member). He was glad our trip was still on too. So that's a good sign!

Wow! That's all I have to say. Continued prayers for your family.

Thanks so much, we'll be needing all of them! It's a lot on our plates, that's for sure!

 

[All7OfUs]

I just got to Anaheim-my place of employment. Other than emptying the trash, this last update was the first piece of "business", I attended to. Dad has a way, doesn't he?

Ah...perspective. I know that all too well when it comes to the line of work we're in. I thank Dad everytime I receive words from those outside of my situation. They are able to see things I am not able to see.

What would happen when you got back here? Financially speaking. Where is your home base here in the States?

He always has a way of intervening just perfectly, yes! Even in the little things!

See, now that right there is in interesting and wise perspective in of itself. Being THANKFUL for those who can offer (and do) offer words from outside. I so admit, I was a little defensive at first, but my heart has been softened, and back on track to be humble and to receive.

Financially?? Hmmmm... where do I go with this??

We are almost perfectly on target with our need. Supporters come and go, but Dad has always known just what our need is, and has provided it! He is good!

To be honest, we've been able to actually save some while here, since COL is so cheap, and being tightwads (I shared that with you on your PTR the other night) we save every penny rather than spend it. What would be buy?? LOL! So financially, we are doing better living here than if we live in the States. But moving back brings up a whole nuther thing. We do own a home in Portland. I hate it (804 sq. feet for 6 people?- not my idea of great.). It's in the middle of a crappy neighborhood and the drive-by shootings were getting a little wearisome. I'd love to move, OUT OF PORTLAND in fact, but that probably won't be possible. So, what do ya do?? More muddiness...

With 3 kids at or near university age, the $$ needs to go there instead of moving out of Baghdad. (ok, it's not that bad, but still makes me nervous) But our home church is in Portland, and we do feel quite a heavy obligation to stick around there at least to tie up relationships there. I guess I should also add that we are going to leave the door open to going back onto the field, after some refreshment and retooling, so need to not burn bridges there. Make sense??

Oh, Liesa. My prayers are with you and your family. Tough choices are what make us stronger, and I know that you will make the decision that's right for you and your family. Often, when I have moments where I don't think I can bear anymore, that's when God has given me my moments of clarity. In the mean time, we're here for you.

Thanks, TK! That's exactly what I'm so expectant for: clarity! It will come in good time, I'm sure of that!

Liesa, you need a hug!

I didn't know you've been there for 9 years! I'm sorry to hear things are not going well. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know you can make it through. You'll always have your DIS family to fall back on.

Yes, 9 long years! I wouldn't say that they are not going well, just time for change; that's always hard. Thanks for your support!!! Just stop by often and keep me entertained, that will go a long way, just to be a fun place amidst the other!

Liesa s to you!

Your post and blog are truly inspiring to me. I could never fathom living in another country Not because I wouldn't want to, but because I am simply not brave enough to leave what is familar to me. You are an inspiration because you were brave enough and in doing so gave your children amazing experiences, education, and upbringing. What every happens in the next 6 months, none of that will ever be forgotten by them.

Your views on perspective remind me of the change in perspective I had after the birth of our 3rd daughter, Bella. Before Bella, an ear infection in one of my daughters would bring me to tears. Before Bella, perfect hair, pretty dresses, and clean faces were a priority. Before Bella, spending time making connections and socializing often took precedent over family time. But having a child with special medical needs has changed all of that. We have learned that no matter what, our family's health and happiness is our number 1 priority. We also learned to appreciate what we do have and not dwell on what we don't. You obviously have your family's best interest at heart and I know you will make the right decision. It will not be an easy one either way, but your choice will be guided by a pure heart and a strong faith.

Again, great perspective!! Our motto with Zach is, "ANY progress, is GREAT progress!". It's all about perspective!

HA! you are right, they will never forget that burning trash is normal, stealing someone's yard is normal, and will always remember how they got their music lessons for practically free. Just kidding (sort of), they will always be wired to know that relationship comes above how nice their house is, that the last piece of bread goes to the guest and that if you put on enough clothes standing for a bus when it's -30 CAN be done.

I'm confident that things will fall into place over the next weeks, so am not too worried, just don't like not knowing the plan.

Liesa - I know you and your family will make the best decision for all of you and everything will work out in the end. In the mean time, you will all be in my t&p.

Thanks, so, so much!! Decisions are not easy any time, but being overseas sure throws a weird dynamic in.

 

[winkers]

Portland, Oregon?

that is only a short 6 hour drive away!

 

[All7OfUs]

I know!!! Can you picture it now?? A DISMeet with Cynthia maybe in Olympia or something. Sounds like too much fun to me!