let the wild rumpus start

We really like books. 

I mean really really like books. 

Our kids sit and read books to themselves and to each other for hours.  Grandpa and Grandma have given the kids a library of wonderful books.  But now we have to choose.  Which books do we put in storage?  Which books do we give away to bless others?  Which books go to Tanzania?  We want to take them all.  (if only there were a way to teleport our books across the ocean!)  Unfortunately we can't fit all our books because we also have to pack clothes.  So either we leave some books behind or our kids go without clothes.  Hmmmm....

The Gerths at night

Ever wonder how you would pack for a family of 6 moving to Tanzania?  Check out this video:

It's not fair!

Some days are harder than others.  When we said "goodbye" to family in Minnesota, realizing that we would not see them for a few years, that was a hard day.  As we drove away, we thought, "It's not fair!  It's not fair that our kids will not be able to get hugs from Grandma, or play bubbles with their uncle, or read books with Great Grandma, or cook with Grandpa, or go sliding with their aunt, or play ball with their other aunt,

It's just not fair!"

But then we stopped and wondered, why are we complaining about fairness when God has shown us infinite grace?  Beyond the grace of knowing Jesus and following Jesus, God has also graciously provided a wonderful, supportive family who loves us and encourages us.  They believe in what God has called us to do and they've joined our team.

And then, when we think about "fairness," is it fair that grandparents in Tanzania can't read the Bible to their grandchildren in their own language?  Is it fair that parents in Tanzania can't tell their children about Jesus in their own language?

THAT'S not fair!

And our family shares our passion to see God's Word in the heart language of the people of Tanzania.

No, it's not fair that we have to leave family...it's grace.

14 days

We leave 2 weeks from today.

Yeah, that's about how we feel!

Camp Lebanon: a meeting place with God

Looking for a fun place to vacation with the family and be strengthened in your faith?  Check out Camp Lebanon in Minnesota.

I grew up at this camp because my parents have served on staff there for 23 years.  I loved camp as a camper but I also enjoyed camp as a staffer: maintenance, dishwasher, counselor, supervisor.  It was a great opportunity to grow in my faith, develop leadership skills, and build life-long friendships.  Just last week Jeannette and I were privileged to be the "Missionary of the Week."

The mission of Camp Lebanon is to provide a meeting place with God to help the Church do the work of Christ.  They offer programs all year round for all ages as well as specialized programs like Quilt Retreat and Men's Retreat.

The message of Camp Lebanon is unmistakably Jesus and uncompromisingly biblical.  They also believe in having the "funnest" fun!!

Check it out here:
http://www.camplebanon.org/pages/Home

we just bought 22 sticks of deodorant

You know you're moving to Tanzania when you pack 22 sticks of deodorant...

and you're not sure if that will be enough.

Please pray for us as we pack.

one.hun.dred.per.cent

Thank you friends, family and churches. God has provided 100% of our necessary monthly financial support. We are overwhelmed by your kindness, generosity and love. Thank you for joining our team.