
It Is Better for Children to Learn That They Are Not the Center of the Universe
I Have Duties Outside of Being a Parent
These Duties Do Not Contradict What I Am Called to as a Parent
I have yet to find a verse that commands me to make sure my children have a balanced diet, are involved in extracurricular activities, and are well socialized. Now these are wonderful things that I strive for, but I often need to remind myself to not feel guilty for taking something from my children that I was never commanded to give them. According to the Bible, my success as a parent is measured by my faithfulness to raise my children in the discipline and teaching of the Lord, and this is something, but God’s grace, I can do anywhere.
Nice post, Stacey! We are looking forward to your arrival. And I think "Uncle" Nathan & "Auntie" Lala will be able to hook your kids up with some homemade ice cream from time to time. -Laurel
Well said. We ask the same questions of ourselves as we prepare to take our 6 kids (back) to Africa as well in 5 months. Kenya bound…
Wow! Interesting read. Interesting to see this from your perspective. As a born and raised Cameroonian now living in the United States, I have questions as to whether I would want to raise my kids in America. I guess it has more to do with our definition of "ideal" circumstances and all. Btw, which village will you be based in in Cameroon?
Although this is a awesome thing you are doing for your kids, I am totally against this. As long as you have God in your heart and soul and you teaching you're children the same..why do you have to subject your kids to something the are unfamiliar with? Most people go to Africa to adopt kids to get them out of poverty situations.. I'm just saying BC to me it will traumitis them more than teach them..but God be with them!
You are an inspiration and evidently being led by the Spirit of the Living God!It is a blessing to see that you are "setting your affections on things above and not on things of the earth! You are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God." The world needs MORE kids whose parents are willing to lay down their lives and in so doing, teach their children to do likewise. Godspeed.
Anonymous,
My parents raised me in Africa for six years. They were the most incredible years of my life. Absolutely no regrets, and now I am raising my own children on the same continent.
This was one of the most encouraging/challenging "mom" posts I've ever read. We need more moms like you and I pray The Lord would give me faith to be one. Wow!! Thank you for posting.
I have raised my children overseas and I have to say Stacey- you have it right! We are all supposed to be unfamiliar in this world. It is not our home, we are just passing through! In fact you may find the transition is so much easier for the kids than the adults, but that does not mean we send them along alone because it is easier for them. No families stick together and you ALL have a purpose. My children handle the 120 degree summers so much better than I do and picked up the language faster. They will be a great addition to your team and you will ALL learn so much. I admire your audacious faith. God bless you!
Your article was forwarded to me by a missionary friend, for "obvious reason" as she said. My wife and I were your family exactly 25 years ago: on the verge of leaving France, with 4 girls under 6 years of age. Destination: Cameroon! Things rarely happened as we had planned. But we are confident it went as God planned. Along came our son in 1991. Providentially, God closed the door for us and the 7 of us returned to the USA in 2000. God cared for us in Cameroon even as he has here in the States. God bless you as you embark on the adventurous service for Jesus. God will be your provider and protector, but likely not as you expect.
Thank you God for this message. Perfect timing. We are preparing to leave the comforts of life in the US to live in Cambodia. I relate with everything you said. My heart hurts as I have been dealing with my 16 year old daughter and her resistance to going. God spoke to my husband almost 2 years ago and once he "surrendered it all" the doors started opening to where, when and how we were going to be used by God to advance His kingdom. The one point you made about taking our kids and how we are to really raise them, the Biblical teaching on parenthood, was the perfect reminder, as I was crying because I felt I was hurting my daughter. Reality hit, that I am hurting my daughter more by living the way we have. Her "its all about me" attitude is so far from God that I really need to be on my knees thanking God that he is speaking so clearly to us to Go. Thank you for the post, your honesty and your desire to love God with your obedience and servants heart no matter the cost.
Thank you so much for this post. Our family of five will be leaving in just a week and a half for Nepal. Where life is so different from life here in America. I have often struggled with this but God has reminded me that He loves my kids more than I do and my job is just to raise them in the ways of the Lord. Thank you again.
So nice! Gives good answers to some of the ponders I have always had in mind when I meet a foreign missionary in an area I myself as a Cameroonian cannot afford to live there, except I adopt this mindset! But there are equally beautiful portions of Cameroon, and u know, no place like home, for us!
Please keep in mind that this blog was written by a person whose oldest child is 6 and who is taking African children back to Africa. Taking a 16 year old from the U.S. to Southeast Asia is nowhere near the same thing. Even if your 16 year old daughter was in full agreement with your calling, you would be in for a far different experience than what this author is going to encounter. If your 16 year old daughter is resistant, and if you insist on taking her now instead of waiting to go until she's in college in 2 years, then I pray that your sending agency has stellar member care.
I am an MK and am eternally grateful to my heavenly Father and my parents for raising me in a "less-ideal place". Although I have to handle issues I would not have to struggle if I hadn't been raised cross-culturally it gives a richness, colourfulness and depth to my experience of life and God that I would not trade for anything else! May your children experience the same.
Yes. You can serve God anywhere.
I grew up in Cameroon. I did not make the decision to do so. My parents made it for me. But, I will say this: It was the most beautiful gift they ever gave me. This is not always the case. I know kids who didn't appreciate being moved away to a strange land. But, inevitably each decision that our parents make when we are young affects us. My parents happened to choose to raise me in Africa without my consent. Had they stayed in the US it would have also been without my consent. I cannot answer for everyone, but I also cannot stay silent. I LOVE my country. My country is Cameroon. And, my parents chose it.