Dear Family and Friends,
I thought in one of my tired moments that I could get away without putting together some kind of summary of our year. Really, can I have any more to say than the daily ramblings already posted on our blog? But, no, I need to do it. A lot has happened this year and in the middle of managing/experiencing one wave at a time it is important to take a step back and see the whole ocean. All that “doing” we have done this year has it accomplished anything?
We are living our dream is it all we thought it would be? Are we seeing personal growth or is this just a joy-ride of the most carnal nature? Have we learned anything? Have we answered the daily call to give ourselves to Christ?
Our year in a nutshell started with a mission trip to Honduras then the world-wind effort of getting the house, kids, and all of our other affairs squared away for this new adventure of roadschooling and travel nursing. So many goodbyes and we know things will never be the same as they were but risk is a necessary part of growth and we feel like we are doing what Gad called us to do.
New Mexico and the Navajo Indian reservation was a good first assignment. There is a lot of history in the four corners area and we didn’t have to drive too far to see lakes, mountains and even snow. The other great things were we had the perfect dose of extended family and being close enough to Oregon that we were able to share our new lives with Paul and Debbie in one occasion and Suzanne, her family and little Cyrus on another. If only they could come to everyplace with us as we have longed to show them in person the amazing parts of each state we have visited.
Wisconsin brought a completely different landscape, different work experiences, and different educational offerings. Again we were able to get together with friends and extended family, but missed sharing our experiences in person with those we care most about.
California, the landscape here is different again, we have loved the mountain eye candy, and the closeness to the beach, but what we have enjoyed the most has been being close enough to Grandma and Grandpa Lawhead to enjoy being with them in a larger portion than 1-3 days/couple of years.
Do we feel like we are elbow deep in missions, that every decision we have made was a self sacrifice for the good of others. We would have to answer no to that. We do however feel that we have been blessed to see this nation sized piece of God’s awe inspiring diverse creation. Our blog has allowed us to share it to some degree as well as our growing moments, and failures. It, as a year, has had ups and downs. Thank you for all your prayers, support, and for loving us despite our absenteeism we miss every single one of you.
Love the Owens Family,
Chad, Sarah, Caleb, Hannah, Eve, and Myra
P.S. You are always welcome to check out our blog, owensendeavors.com, to see what we’re up to.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!!
Owens Endeavors 