Perfect age?

Yesterday someone who is not acquainted with our history, said, in response to our farewell at church,

"Your kids are the perfect age to be going overseas."

I resisted the urge to tell her that we've previously left Australia with a 2 month old, an 18 month old, a nearly 3 year old and a 6 year old (on two different occasions, of course). Never mind that we've parented children of all ages from birth to 10 years of age while living in Japan. Now we're going with 5, 7 and 11 year olds.

But what is the "perfect age"? Probably taking teenagers is not too advisable - especially for the first time. I admit it was hard to take a baby over, but probably worse to take a spirited 2 year old! Taking both a baby and 2 year old at the same time five years ago was probably the worst scenario, though!

I do acknowledge that this time it has been (so far) a lot easier transition with older kids. They're able to understand what is happening and even help (instead of hinder) the move. But that is something I can enjoy now. In contrast to having children at a less convenient age being something that would hinder us in following God's call. I guess that is what irritates me inside when someone makes a comment like that - implying that we're doing it because it is convenient to us now. NO! It is never convenient to do what we're doing. Children are never the perfect age and we are never perfectly prepared. We're just willing and able (i.e. medically fit) and being willing makes it the perfect time to go, not any outside circumstances.