...but your kids...

When people hear about our calling, many immediately ask us if we have considered the effects on our children. As we prepare to answer the call to serve as missionaries in Costa Rica, we are deeply aware of the sacrifices our three children will be making alongside us. While they may not have heard the same divine calling as we have, their trust and support are invaluable as we step into this new chapter of our lives.

The decision to become missionaries is a deeply personal call, rooted in a strong sense of faith and a desire to serve others. For Roy and I, it's a calling we've felt for years, a conviction that has only grown stronger with time. However, we understand that our children may not share the same spiritual journey, and we respect their individual beliefs and perspectives.

As we prepare to move to Costa Rica, we are keenly aware of the sacrifices our children will be making. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines can be challenging for anyone, but it's especially difficult for children who may not fully understand the reasons behind such a significant life change. Yet, despite their uncertainties, they have chosen to trust us and support our decision wholeheartedly.

I, Carrie, frequently wonder how this move and change will affect our children. As I watch Lexi go through all of the graduation festivities, I wonder if we are robbing Clayton. When I see Carsyn playing in the yard with the children that she grew up with, I worry if she will make friends. Every time these thoughts enter my head, the Lord sends confirmation. I woke up this morning to find this sweet note that Carsyn wrote to Roy.


"Dear Daddy, I love you so much. You make me happy when I am sad. I love that we decided to be a missionary. Love, Carsyn" This was confirmation that she is excited and has full trust that this is going to be a good thing. When I asked Clayton what he was most sad about leaving behind, he told me he was disappointed that he couldn't finish the veterinarian classes he was taking at the high school. Again, the Lord provided and sent confirmation that He was taking care of all the details. With very little research I found a program through Texas A&M. Clayton will finish his junior year, a certified vet technician. They granted him credit for all of the high school classes he took!

Despite the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead, we are confident that this journey will be a transformative experience for our family. It's an opportunity for us to grow closer together, to deepen our faith, and to make an eternal impact in the lives of others. And while our children may not have heard the same call of Jesus that we have, their willingness to support us speaks volumes about their compassion, resilience, and love.

In the end, our journey as missionaries is not just about us—it's about the collective journey of our family that the Lord is orchestrating. Together, we will navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and embrace the sacrifices that come with answering the call to serve. And through it all, we will emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more united than ever before.

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