Real-live missionaries

Going to our mission's national conference as a missionary is a different experience. We're the "real live missionaries" and after two terms or eight years, we're not newbies anymore! It is somewhat strange to look at the new crop of young families coming through, heading overseas with young babies and children. Makes me feel a tiny bit old. Although I was encouraged to have one mature couple greet me with a hug and say I hadn't changed a bit and certainly didn't look like I had three young boys! This morning we had a chance to 'report back' for about 10 minutes. A bit similar to what we do at churches, but this was to serious OMF supporters, and people interested with serving with OMF. A different atmosphere. It was exciting to share with them how God's been answering their prayers. I was glad, as always, to share honestly and encourage some of the soon to be new missionaries, especially the young families, that it is possible to survive going with young children. You might be surprised at how many people are surprised at you when you say you're going overseas to work with young children. As if God only calls single and childless couples to work overseas for Him. Our speaker encouraged us this morning to find our passion and serve God with it. Exactly the thoughts that I've had over the last year or so. I'm beginning to look forward to returning to Japan. That is a lot better than last home assignment, when it took more than 9 months to get to that position. God is working in me and changing me!