Across the Sea of His Faithfulness: A Family Guided by Grace

There are moments in life when you realize you are standing inside a prayer you once whispered in exhaustion.

Nathan (35) and I (35), with Eva (13), Enoch (5), sweet Serenity nearly one, and Jonathan (37) — Nathan’s steadfast childhood friend — have long dreamed of going overseas. Not simply to see new places, but to encounter the beauty of what many call the “Oriental cultures,” to sit among people different from us, and to tell them about the hope of Jesus Christ.

For years, that dream felt distant.

And yet here we are.

When God Builds What We Cannot

We have worked tirelessly — hands deep in dough, late nights planning, stewarding Nathan’s business through hard blows, navigating doors that opened only to close again with the city. There were moments we wondered if the ground beneath us would hold.

But “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Six months ago, we would not have guessed that this would be the time. In fact, if you had asked us then, we might have said, “Not yet. Not now.”

But “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Nathan’s business took a hit. Opportunities shifted. What looked like loss began, quietly, to look like alignment. Flights appeared at nearly half off. Logistics fell into place. A full-time dweller committed to stay in our home. Faithful hands offered to care for our pets and plants. Joey, Nathan’s brother, gladly arranged to bring us to the airport.

Door after door — some closing, some swinging wide.

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” (Revelation 3:8)

Running on Fumes, Yet Carried by Grace

We will board via American Airlines and Japan Air, homemade food packed carefully — a small reminder of home tucked into our journey. We are tired. Running on fumes, if we are honest.

But joy hums underneath the weariness.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

There is something holy about exhaustion when it is poured out for the Kingdom. About standing at the edge of your strength and realizing His strength has been carrying you all along.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

A Family Sent Together

Eva, thoughtful and steady at thirteen, sees more than she says. Enoch, bright and bold at five, asks questions that stretch heavenward. Serenity, nearly one, clings and laughs and reminds us that life is always beginning again.

And Jonathan — loyal friend, brother in Christ — walking with us into lands we have read about.

As for me and Nathan, we feel the weight and wonder of stewardship. To shepherd our children not only in comfort, but in calling.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

This journey is not merely travel. It is testimony. It is obedience braided with rest. It is a mild break, yes — but also a sending.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

We do not go in our own strength. We go as those who have been kept.

The God Who Opens and Closes

Looking back, we see it now.

The setbacks.

The delays.

The unexpected financial shifts.

The discounted flights.

The timing we never could have orchestrated.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)