seventeen years ago...

Seventeen years ago today, a young family was huddled together at the small airport in Anchorage, Alaska.  They had already left their home in Ohio and were now finally ready to fly to their new home in Magadan, Russia.  They were allowed two suitcases plus two carry-ons per person, so with seven people, they had twenty-eight bags.  It may have looked like a huge mound of bags, but this was just about everything they owned.  So many things had been given away or left behind.


The church in Anchorage had gathered to send them off.  Without a doubt, this family felt loved.  They knew these friends would pray for them and keep them in their hearts.

There was a little confusion at one point when they found out their carry-ons were too big.  Carefully packed bags were opened up.  "Kids, go put these clothes on over what you're wearing."  "Here, put these books in your pockets."  "Tie these extra sweatshirts around your waist."  "You need to carry your toys in your hands."  Things that could not fit anywhere were given away.  "Does anybody want this sweater?"

Finally, it was time to leave.  Father, mother, and five little children walked onto the plane that took them to the mission field for the first time.  Seventeen years later, we are still walking in the footsteps that our God would have us to walk.  Thank you, Mom and Dad, for following the Lord.  Thank you for teaching us kids the joys of following God's plan.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."

Psalm 37:23
Hannah Mix