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And the story continues….Part II of

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What Does a Country Director Do has taken an unexpected turn!

We came home to the US the first part of July.  Tired and in great need of rest and refreshment for our souls.  We love what we do in PNG – even though the hours are long, there never seems to be enough help to get everything done and conditions are sometimes less than desirable with local unrest and such.  Our time as CD has been incredible; we have seen significant positive change in the program with a true focus on the spiritual aspect of why we do what we do.  Working with such an amazing group of people from around the globe and a large group of wonderful national staff whom we have grown very close to. But as we were debriefing with the MAF US team, we realized all that we had laid aside in order to go to PNG and work for so many years, giving it everything we had.  We realized how much we are needed here in the US with aging parents, our only grandchild who is almost 9 now and with our children as well, the boys have disassociated themselves from all family ties while we have been overseas serving. Despite our best efforts to support and love them from afar.

We have spent countless hours in prayer and seeking wise counsel from various sources within the mission and outside Christian counselors as well and we have made the difficult decision to resign from our position as the Country Director of the PNG program and focus on caring for our family at this time.

We spent the months of July and August working through this decision and then in September we finalized plans and are currently – on our way – returning to PNG for a few weeks the beginning of November to pack a few belongings that we would like to keep and then selling/giving away the rest of our belongings we have collected over the 6 years in PNG and returning to Idaho to be near family.

We will be living in our home in Caldwell, Idaho along with Connie’s parents who have lived in the house since 2019.  Prayers appreciated for all of us as we adjust to living together.  Adjusting schedules and ways of doing things.  We are here to be a help and a blessing to our parents – both sets – and we are in the process of figuring out what that looks like for each one. 

So many of you have partnered with us in ministry for many years, following us from our first assignment in Yap, Micronesia (1992) where we went with our 17month old daughter Jessica, and where  Courtney was born and we adopted the twin boys.  To Africa then with Hands of Hope NW in the US and on to Philippines ending in PNG. 

Your love, care, cards, gifts and encouraging notes & emails along with many prayers over the years have deeply impacted us.  Many of you have given sacrificially and we have always tried to honor your gifts and sacrifice by being good stewards of the gifts and resources God has provided through you. 

We want you to know that there are other opportunities to continue giving through MAF or through many other wonderful organizations. 

We don’t know when or if God will have us continue in ministry abroad, but we do know that He has us here for this time and we are at peace with that.  We have seen His hand in so many ways confirming this to each of us. 

Please do keep in touch—you all have played a significant part in our ministry and lives and you are loved!

24 thoughts on “And the story continues….Part II of”

  2. I know they wasn’t an easy decision to make but Gods timing is always on time. Praying for you as you adjust and say your goodbyes to PNG. You’ve made such an amazing difference in this world- you guys are an inspiration to us – showing us Gods faithfulness and love for others. Welcome home and praying for all that entails. God bless you and your family and I will be praying for your boys as well.
    Janet LaMont

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  5. I just read your letter and have a lot of empathy for you in this time of decision. We have a lot in common. In 2019, I had to consider whether to stay home and be with my mother so she could live longer at home without help, but then she declined rapidly that summer and died before a decision to stay was made. And I also have a daughter in IL who has disassociated with the family. It was pretty painful this past summer when I was finally able to be home only to have her hang up on my first phone call and block my number. I’m glad you’ll have some closing up time in PNG, which is important. I totally get what you mean about the beauty and the challenges of living in PNG from my own 8 years there. Love it and have some good memories and good friends there, but wouldn’t especially want to retire there! And it’s cool that you are going to be in Caldwell. I have made some very good friends there in Caldwell at the Ustick Road Ch.o.t.Naz, folks I stayed with recently when I came for my oldest daughter’s wedding. She’s now living in Meridian with new husband and 3 step-daughters, so I’ll likely be visiting that area even more often now that family is there. Maybe we’ll meet up next time I’m in the area. I’m glad you are at peace with your decision and I’m sure you will find his open doors for continued service for Him there. Blessings on you as you close out one chapter and step into another.

    Mary Beth ________________________________

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  7. Thanks for letting me know about your new season in your life. How I thank God that you are being willing to let God open new doors of opportunity! Everywhere you look needs are great and I know what hard workers you are. Decisions like this are never easy and you do not need to do any second guessing. I love you guys so much and God has opened a mission field for me in my independent senior living place. You’ll never regret doing what God wants you to do. Every day is filled with joy as I have peace with God. Please keep in touch and I’ll try to do better. I am so sorry to hear about the twins, but give my love to Jessica and Courtney.

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  8. To our beloved friends, Connie Lou and Todd,

    Bless your hearts, you are worn out!

    We will be interceding for you! May The Lord God Maker of Heaven and Earth hold you together!

    We are praying for you and your precious family as you adjust to this new phase of your life.

    May you have confidence in the Lord Almighty’s tender love and care for you.

    We love you deeply!

    Your friends,
    Nan and Mark Haworth

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  10. Pingback: And the story continues….Part II of | connieloua

  12. We are glad to hear you are at peace with your decision. It has been our privilege to support you in PNG. We love the two of you and hope we can catch up with you in Caldwell. Kenton & Nellie

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  13. What a journey of faith and obedience! Thanks for sharing with us. Hopefully we’ll be able to link up once you are back in the Treasure Valley.

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