He's leaving home, bye, bye

It was 6:18 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 and Jane and I were up for the sunrise. We weren't necessarily enjoying it as we were on our way home from dropping Danny at the Cedar Rapids airport so he could begin his next great adventure. I don't know why it's taken so long to post this edition. I guess it's because with Danny now on to Iraq, it really hits home that Jane and I have seen our last, and youngest child, launch himself on his way to independence and adulthood.

It is Danny's intent to spend the next year serving the humanitarian needs of Kurdish Muslims as a volunteer for Millenium, a non-governmental organization that provides community development assistance to people living in crisis. Danny will be there as part of a GAP Team (stand in the GAP) until a long term team is formed.

The secondary purpose of his trip is to bring the word of God's salvation to those who have never heard it before. In his own words, "Working w/ this company will be a tangible blessing to the people, but the focus is to bring the light of Christ into a dark place. This region is an un-reached nation, meaning there is no church proclaiming the gospel. They simply have not heard the Truth of God’s son. They have no way to hear what the Word of God says, unless there are believers who will go to them and share it."

No one ever said we raised a bunch of shrinking violets, eh? Jane and I want to personally thank everyone who is supporting Danny on this mission either financially or through prayer. It really is an eye opener to see the hand of God touch so many in making this trip a reality. If anyone would like to join in supporting Danny's mission, feel free to contact either Jane or me and we can relay the information you need to provide him your continued support.

That's all folks,
Jane and Dick