Grateful
Over the last several weeks, our tired bodies have been on the road for over 1,989 miles. We have stopped in several locations between Perth and Kununurra so the film crew could scout locations and connect with key Aboriginal leaders. Some stops were overnight to cut the travel time since we are traveling with several small children. Other stops were supposed to be a night or two, but would stretch out if meetings with key Aboriginal leaders went well. The meetings went so well at our last location that our one night turned into four nights. The film team even captured key testimonials to help them write the script over the next several weeks here in Kununurra. And we are sure we will return to their community in the next couple of months to shoot a large portion of the film.
But with all this travel, packing, and unpacking a pop-up caravan while homeschooling, I have felt stretched beyond my comfort zone. Over my entire life, I’ve seldom ever camped and never more than two nights. So when we arrived in Kununurra yesterday, Joy swept over my face as I entered our new home for the next few weeks. As I surveyed the space, I became giddy, staring at a cozy queen-size bed with blankets, pillows, a nightstand, and walking space on both sides of the bed. What would I do when I didn’t have to crawl over my sleeping husband in the middle of the night to get out of bed? As I pondered that question, I saw the most joyous sight—a clean bathroom with no frogs perched on the edge of the toilet, no swarming mosquitoes, floors that I didn’t need to wear flip-flops on, and linoleum from the shower to the bed. My feet would not be covered with dirty marks minutes after showering. And I wouldn’t have to use a flashlight at night. My heart was pounding with excitement.
A deep sense of gratitude permeated my heart. Yes, we are only here for three weeks, but it feels like a slice of heaven after camping for over a month and moving to over 10 locations.
I elaborate on the luxury of having a simple two-bedroom home that feels like a mansion because our perspective is key to cultivating and maintaining happiness. My heart desires that I can be like Paul in Philippians 4:11-13, where he says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” May this be my heart cry, knowing that what we are embarking on will transform lives for the Kingdom of Heaven.
As contentment continues to be something I strive for, we reach out to each of you for prayer. Over the next several weeks in Kununurra, a script must be finalized. Key connections with Aboriginal leaders must be made to develop a complete script, and housing for one of the main filming locations is needed. Currently, there are only two housing options. The closest one has no power or water hookups. The second option is 1.5 hours away from the community, and costs us $108 per night (almost double what we have paid everywhere else), and one load of washing costs $6, where it usually only costs $2 a load.
We ask that you join us in prayer for a third option to open up inside the community or somewhere else God has in store. Please join us as we pray for this and the continued financial need to cover the exorbitant fuel and food costs. We have seen our God do the impossible, and we ask that You, too, will witness His impossibilities through this situation!! Thank you.
