Investing To Say Goodbye

Loving, investing in, launching these amazing people!

If I'm being honest, anticipating the month of August, I have thoughts of steeling away from everyone and everything.  Avoiding 'that' cashier because I don't want to talk; waiting until the 'usual' people won't be there to get groceries; going to a different pharmacy because I just don't want to engage in one more conversation; letting Daryl take the van so I couldn't possibly leave the house; even avoiding 'my people' because my heart aches and needs to regroup. "Wait, what?! But you're a missionary, you love to share Jesus by serving and caring for others!"  If 50-somethings threw tantrums, this is what it might look like ... "You can't make me love new people, You can't make me care for them, You can't make me invest in them personally and you most certainly can't expect me to say goodbye with a smile!" ... yup, you get the whole embarrassing picture! As I sat with my Table Companion this morning, coffee in hand, I lamented through tears, all the hard, unasked for goodbyes ... My heart thrives on investing, loving, and walking with these dear ones that He continues to place within arms reach, I just wish the goodbyes didn't feel so deep! As my tantrum-tears slowed, He filled my heart with His peace and gently reminded me of this beautiful liturgy I have read often ... 

Lead me by Your mercies through these hours that I might spend them well, not in harried pursuit of my own agendas, 

but rather in good service to You. 

(even when I want to avoid)

Teach me to shepherd the small duties of this day with great love, tending faithfully those tasks you place within my care and tending with patience and kindness the needs and hearts of those people You place within my reach. 

(even if only for a season.)

Nothing is too hard for You, Lord Jesus. I deposit now all confidence in You that whatever these waking hours bring, 

my foundations will not be shaken. 

(even in the goodbyes.)

At days end, I will lay me down to sleep knowing that my best hope is well kept in You and in all things Your grace will sustain me. Bid me follow and I will follow. 

(even as I love, invest and launch ...yet again.)

In the hard goodbyes or in the gift of continued fellowship with those who are called to return, in the full days or in the not so full days, as I choose to trust His plan and purpose, His peace permeates my heart ... and by His grace, I continue to love, invest, and launch for His glory!

As you choose to trust, who might He be leading you to love, invest in and launch?  

Life on the Mountain

July finished up Vida Missions, took Daryl safely to Kenya and back, engaged us in Kairos, prayed our people through L10 challenge, relaxed 2 days at the beach with these amazing humans, played hide and seek around San Rafael, giggled through an amazing talent show, celebrated a graduation and celebrated the acknowledgement of exclusive relationships (in God's time of course!), then sent them out to be world changers! August started with multiple airport runs and tear-filled goodbye hugs, sharing food and life around our table with dear ones who lingered in CR, washing the mountains of bedding and donations, enjoying sweet Eva snuggles, and letting the tears fall in acknowledgement of the deep joy it has been to love, invest and launch once again.  

Praises

Daryl returned safely from Kenya with testimony of God's faithfulness!

Graduated 18 amazing students and leaders

A future focused job for Jedidiah

Heart connections even as we say adios

Provisions from Father in ways we didn't imagine

Opportunities to share Him daily

Prayers

August 12th travel to PA to see our boys and family! 

Shoulders in need of relaxing

Details of taxes and finances

Seek Jesus first and trust (school, future, raising Adam)

Communication and connection in our marriage

Trust His plan as we love, invest and launch! 

This One was such a gift to share life with, cry with and laugh with. 

"We can't leave yet, we're in the middle of a one on one!"

Teaching them the importance of investing in friendship!

Happy birthday Mimi! 

These boys bought her flowers! 

His new look ... 

Time will tell if it remains! 

Investing in these sisters is SO life giving ...

Cherishing these moments until we will be physically present with each other. 

Vacation mode ...

No, I'm NOT!

No, they did not find me, nor see my grey hair and wrinkles ... 

And, yes, Adam, an "old lady" can look cute and pregnant with the right amount of make-up and a wig! : ) 

These homeboys "hid" at the basketball court hoping no one 

would ask why they were not in school! 

Some of the hard goodbyes ... 

We've walked through a lot of life in the last two years!

I like them A LOT! 

"We part ways not in darkness, 

but in the quiet knowing that Light still leads us forward

- just on different roads." 

   ~ Luke Kramer

The Fantastic 4! Our amazing Vida220 leadership team ...

So incredibly blessed to watch them grow, 

mature and develop into more of God's character as they served!

Always time for one more puzzle with this dear one 

because a week of puzzling over Christmas wasn't enough!

Meeting her people softened the goodbye a bit!

Ohio, Honduras, Costa Rica and PA
Their worlds collided, so why not go thrifting together! 

Kenya ...

Adios amigos ...
"This is the last time we'll see each other until January" ... 
But amazingly Father provided 2 more playdates before they all traveled! 

Launching them with this promise from Isaiah 58:11 ...
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame. 
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 

Chicken Nuggets, Fried Chicken, and The Holy Spirit

Saturday morning family time - PA, CR, Kenya!

Our lives are filled with nudges and prompts.  You know what I mean, those subtle or direct suggestions that influence us toward a desired outcome, to choose 'their' product or to guide our response to the more favorable choice. Every second of every day our lives are filled with nudges to indulge or practice self control. Recently Father has nudged my heart to ponder how often I ignore vs. obey HIS nudges and promptings that fill my day ... There's a lot of nudging going on!

Adam went on a Vida Missions outreach this summer.  The last day I stopped by the church to drop off meds for some sick participants.  I thought about "mothering him" by taking his backpack and sleeping bag with me so he wouldn't forget anything.  Not wanting to steal his desire for independence, I ignored the nudge.  Fast forward 5 hours when the team, minus Adam's backpack, returned to base. Video surveillance confirmed, someone walking by the van as they were packing up, had reached in and stolen his backpack off the top of the pile.  What would have happened if I had obeyed that nudge?

A week ago I was buying 22 pizzas for our last Vida Missions group and I had the nudge to buy 2 servings of fried chicken in addition to all those pizzas. One portion had an anticipating consumer, but the second left me wondering for whom I would be buying it. Fast forward 1 hour to 110 overjoyed consumers receiving their prized pizza at the end of 9 days of rice and beans. Passing through the line, she humbly asked, "do you have anything that is tomato free?" My stunned expression stated the obvious, "I forgot about your allergy!"  As I turned to see what leftovers we had in the refrigerator I saw the second box of fried chicken I had felt prompted to buy an hour before. What would have happened if I had ignored that nudge? 

I was exhausted from a long day in the kitchen and wanted to go home, ignoring the nudge to pray for her.  "And besides God, I can't find her in the dark, firelit night."  As I turned to go, there she was, as if He had placed the star of Bethlehem over her. Obeying the nudge, she received the reality of Jesus' compassion and friendship.  

And this one ... I shake my head in disbelief every time I think about it.  He lived just around the block from our Akron house.  His quirky nature endeared him to us and at the same time made me want to avoid him. The later was difficult due to sharing a bus stop, being in the same grade as one of our MM and the simple fact that he would show up at our house unannounced. His visits typically involved his asking for a snack of chicken nuggets rather than joining us for supper, his constant chatter became endearing information and his need for attention grew on us so we began to invite him along.  A few youth groups, a church fall fest and then we lost touch after moving to Costa Rica. Fast forward 10 years and Jedidiah has moved back to the states and is attending youth group with a friend. Following the not so subtle nudge to give this boy some chicken nuggets (and subsequently invite to youth group), has come full circle to him serving in the youth group Jedidiah started attending! What would have happened if we had ignored that nudge?

My dear friends, the humbling part about writing this blog post is that I DON'T always obey these nudges! But I'm learning, and obedience to these random nudges is growing in me. If I hesitate or contemplate, I typically end up ignoring the nudge ... "someone else will say it or do that." Choosing to act on said nudge immediately, (you know that heart pounding, don't think twice, moment that jolts you out of your seat?) has been awe-inspiring! As He has led, I've walked away from each "obeying the nudge" situation with a spring in my step, a smile in my soul and an imaginary high-5 from The One who nudges. In a world focused on my time, my agenda, my plans ... 

                                Where might He be nudging you to stop, look, listen and obey?  

Life on the Mountain

Six weeks ago, my last blog, seems like last year! SO MUCH LIFE has been lived with SO MANY PEOPLE in these weeks of constant movement! Orchestrating the life-altering program of Vida missions for just under 200 youth and leaders is always life altering for me. God in his faithfulness moved us out of our comfort zones, broadened our world view and because of these, we grew closer to Him. Jedidiah's move to PA has felt touched by the Holy Spirit, although not without difficulties, Father has provided friendship (in the unexpected), community, a mentor and connections for this one who thrives on connections. Outside of VM, life consisted of celebrating 2 birthdays, playing lots of Skyjo, visiting a volcano, nursing many back to health, processing next steps with students and our own, Daryl is currently on a 2 week trip to Kenya, we're in the midst of a week long Kairos course on missions, and in two weeks we'll celebrate graduation and send them out to be the hands and feet of Jesus trusting they have learned to follow His nudges.

Praises

A growing friendship between brothers (J&J in PA and M&A in CR)

Health, stamina and connections during Vida Missions

Unity in marriages as we served separately

Connections with friends from a hometown church

Family and friends to care for our MM across the ocean

Nudges that give testimony of Jesus' work in our lives

Prayers

God's call to be a team leader, we need 2 more

Recuperation and physical rest

Staff traveling in August to see Jesus in all circumstances

Family connections in August

Wisdom in home schooling Adam

Sensitivity to HS to obey nudges and lead others to Father's love

Can you believe it? We actually had hail on our mountain top!
The closest thing to snow in CR!

Ice cream & movie night with sisters ... because everyone else was away!

PA summers, corn hole and Dad's front yard ... my heart misses this peace!

Celebrating Father's Day!

Giving thanks for the foundation he is built on which subsequently our family is built on! 

Adam's early birthday gift!  

SO thankful for this one and her tender servant's heart ... 

She was my constant companion cleaning up the evening kitchen piles.

This isn't even half of it! 

We entered a new season with our Bringer of Light ...

He picked the songs and boldly sang his heart while strumming along with Dad! 

Happy birthday to these two ... June 22!
She's our Joseph : ) same age, similar personality, and a great friend for Adam!

One of his dreams coming true ... 

Thankful the J. Hoover can be used again! 

Joseph's weekend adventure with friends ... 

So thankful he finds life in the beauty of God's nature with friends!

Yup, 24 ... just in case you're counting! 

This is how one feeds 135 youth, young adults and staff! 

Leading them to the cross to listen to Father's nudges ... 

This will always be my favorite moments of Vida Missions.

Yes, he's legal ... 

Yes, we named the bus Clarence ...

Yes, he drove through town for airport pickups ... 

Yes, mom is proud! 

Love these beautiful hands and feet of Jesus ... 

They serve with a smile and have lots of English practice! 

One of the many pastoral heart connections Father blesses him with. 

Watching the energy of the kids and remembering our once upon a time youthfulness! 

Look Mom, Red, White and Blue just in time to celebrate July 4th! 

Filling my heart with sweet Eva snuggles ... 

Father's gift for this one ... friends to hang out with!

A taste of Kenya ... more to come!

May you be a reservoir of God's Spirit from which His joy spills out to others 

as you live close to Him and give attention to His nudges. 

Hopeful Lament

She was bleeding for 12 years, twelve years! I imagine a thin, frail, deathly pale woman, afraid to go out of her house. And when she did go out, she hid in the shadows for fear of being seen, mocked and called an outcast. Did she lament ‘normal’ life, desperately longing to be loved, touched and acknowledged rather than rejected? Did she have any hope of healing or were bitterness and solitude welcomed as her constant companion? While hiding in the shadows, she heard the rumors about “this Jesus” character who was supposedly healing people. I imagine a giddy sort of giggle that erupted in her soul as she allowed her heart to indulge in the hope of healing. As the crowd was deterring her from reaching Him, her lament was deep. And yet as she crawled slowly forward, attempting to stay hidden, straining and reaching out to touch just the hem of his garment, there was hope.

We've had a season with a lot of lamenting in the Hoover House, maybe you have too? Lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow and generally comes from loss. As we long to be where 'they' are, we lament what leaving CR might feel like. Remembering our youthful health, we lament the aging of our physical bodies. Celebrating the flight of our Mighty Men into adulthood, we lament wanting to hold them close a bit longer.  Maturing into the sandwich generation, we lament the change of health in parental figures. And quite honestly, we are lamenting this season of change.  

Father in His goodness has gently been reminding me that lament is part of life ... but so is hope! Lament is real and tangible, and we feel its effects on our physical body. It's ok to be sad, distraught, lost in thought, and longing for sunshine in our soul ... but those should not consume us. As I've pondered Lamentations 3:20-25 and what it means to have hope even in lament, I can't ignore the lament, but I can shift my focus. "Soul, it's time to reflect on His mercies and compassion that are new for you today!"  Not just on good days when life seems hopeful, but also on 'lamentful' days when I want to hide in the shadows. Hopeful lament ... As she strained toward Jesus, obstacles enveloped her attempting to deepen her lament and dash her hope. However, these obstacles made her strain all the more with hope of reaching her Healer! In that moment of surprise when she touched Him, (I imagine her expression similar to the one above), her healing was instant, immediate. 

I remember my bitterness and my gall … yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope ... I am not consumed ‘with lament’. Why? Because His mercy is more, He understands our loss (compassion), and He is the exact portion I need each day (faithfulness). As we turn our reaching toward Jesus, we have hope, even in lament.  

What brings you hope in seasons of lament?

Life on the Mountain

And just like that, Vida Missions is upon us!  Here's to 8 weeks of organized chaos, growing in intimacy with Jesus, getting out of our comfort zones and gaining a broader world view!  Our Vida220 teams have completed their outreach adventure and are filling our hearts with stories of Father's faithfulness; My heart has been full reconnecting face to face with these amazing students and ones I claim as daughters! Homeschool routine, a month-long base rental and a day at the amusement park to celebrate and gearing up for leadership training to lead Vida Missions teams this summer! Our personal lives have felt full of opportunities to choose hope instead of lamenting loss. My dad had a stroke and praise God is recovering at home, Jedidiah split his tongue and needed it stitched up a week before moving to PA, Daryl moved Jedidiah to the States May 17 and we miss his presence under our roof, friends and family walking through loss of loved ones, and wishing my physical body would just do what my mind wills it to do. And as I turn my reaching toward Jesus, I have hope in lament. 

Praise

Funds are raised for Daryl's Kenya trip, thank you to everyone who supported him! 

Dad's recovery

God's provision for Jedidiah

Favor for Joseph through a vehicle purchase

Completed homeschool in time for a busy summer

Connections with staff and students

Prayer

To share the hope we have

Health

Friends walking through deep grief

Adam missing having brothers at home

Jedidiah's transition and new job

Future steps  

A special coke just for him! ...

Launching Jedidiah party ...
An afternoon of jumping followed by an evening surrounded
by friends who feel like family! 

These dear ones have shaped and molded Jedidiah for the past 8 years ...
Truly God's gift to us! 

Tradition!
It's not Easter if we don't make peanut butter and coconut cream eggs!

The elaborate Easter processional through the streets of Heredia! ...
We finally were able to see this "long, slow walk to the cross." 

Celebrating #55 with this handsome guy! ...
Those who know him are not surprised that
he chose the same meal and same restaurant once again!

Just your friendly airport taxi driver for the week!
 
Teaching at AMCA about "getting out of your comfort zone"!

One more "quick" game of Rook!

"Uncle Adam" loves hanging out with Eva!

One last AMCA Campout ... 

SO thankful for the gift of these friends and this youth group!

Sorry Dad, but this is my favorite picture of your journey! 

This one made supper for mom after a long day!

I didn't know you could actually stitch up the tongue! 

A mere causality after a friendly wrestling match!

The before ... 

And the after ... good as new! 

Saying goodbye to AMCA ... 

Happy Mama's day to me!

Our pastors praying over Jedidiah ... 

Last day of school ... so thankful for Teacher Melanie and this crew!

Token last day of school bus picture : ) 

So many layers of goodbyes with this one ...
One more hug, good-bye, Pops, Cosechas, AMCA, 12/21, hangout with friends ...
finally his room was cleaned out, the last hugs given and it was time to launch.
Tears were not in short supply!

Micah and Adam sent him off from CR ... 

and ...

Joseph was waiting on the other end to receive him!

Enjoying the view of Lancaster Co. life ...

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 

    for his compassions never fail. 

His mercies are new every morning;  

great is His faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23