HUBERnews

Support Status

2012-01-28T12:03:00.004-06:00

We are at 71% of our current monthly support pledges. However, we are averaging 80% of our monthly support, thanks in large part to several special and year-end gifts. Thank you for your partnership and support!

If you'd like to make these gifts a recurring pledge, please visit http://gemission.org/donate (Gifts only count towards our monthly goal if GEM receives notification of a recurring pledge, or faith promise commitment).

Questions? Please email us at matthew.huber@gemission.org!

50 in 5

2012-01-27T17:12:00.003-06:00

Join us by giving and going to share the good news with the "'new' least-reached continent on Earth."
Greater Europe Mission
www.gemission.org

2012

Putting down roots near the rivers...

2012-01-26T21:57:00.003-06:00

Our verse(s) for this year; to plant our roots in Him.

All things new...

2012-01-21T17:08:00.000-06:00

This time of year is often the best time of year to reflect, try new things, or plan for the future. The beginning of 2012 has been a time for us to do all three:

reflect on the last 18 months stateside, the year of training and development, the 6 months of full-time support raising;
try out some new habits, like menu-planning and early morning devotions (I'm two days in!); and
plan out and pray for our hopes for the future, preparing mentally, practicially, and spiritually to return to the field.

One area we are really focusing on as we start this new year is prayer. Deep, intentional prayer. Why we don't always practice this discipline diligently, I'll never know (actually, I do know: laziness, pride, frustration, distractions, etc.). But each one of us - Matt and I together, and with the kids and friends - are trying to seek out long periods of time for communion with Jesus.

A practical way I've been trying to do this is by asking myself the above question: "What three things are you thankful for today?" I don't always write it down, and it doesn't always lead to lengthy, inspired prayers, but it is a great reminder to praise Him, the giver of all good things, every day. Even on the not-great days.

Here are my three things today:

A long naptime for Asher, allowing me to rest, do some design work, and watch some basketball with Matt.
A sweet movie we can all enjoy together (Mr. Popper's Penguins).
A little boy who doesn't need stitches after a brutal lip-splitting incident. 12 hours later and he's good as new (apart from the fat lip and a mother's increased blood pressure).

He does indeed make all things new... big and small.

What we did this year...

2011-12-31T17:53:00.000-06:00

January: God provided us with a van (through Missionary Motors) after ours was totaled the week before Christmas.

February: We celebrated Jackson's 8th birthday with a blizzard!

March: Matt visited supporters and family in California (on his 35th birthday).

April: Matt had his first gallery showing at the Arts Incubator, and Karen's "grandma" joined Facebook for a very fun, very lively April Fool's Day.

May: Karen realized how lucky she was to be the kind of mom who can chaperone field trips and throw class parties, even with 30 2nd grade girls singing (read: wailing) Justin Bieber songs.

June: We celebrated 12 years of perfectly imperfect wedded bliss, rededicating our family to serving God overseas.

July: Our first extended-family vacation! A week in North Carolina with Karen's family and visiting dear friends and supporters along the way! An extra bonus: the discovery that Karen is capable of baking banana bread.

August: A brilliant surprise visit from an Irish friend! Katharina spent three weeks in Kansas City training for a job back in Dublin. We also celebrated Asher's 2nd birthday and Karen's 30-ish birthday!

September: Matt & Karen attended the Sentralized Conference for missional church planters.

October: Ella turned 5 and we travelled to pert'near-Canada-Minnesota to share with a new supporting church, also visiting extended family and GEM friends.

November: Spent Thanksgiving with Matt's family in Wisconsin.

December: Matt had the honour of overseeing a"Blesschristenication" (baby dedication) for wee Claire, the delightful daughter of family friends.

Most asked question: "So, when do you leave?"
Happiest day: July 2nd, when we saw the ocean again.
Hardest month: October
Miles travelled (outside of KC): 8,000 by land; 4,000 by air

We continue to be so thankful for you: our faithful support team, who have been praying for us for years and investing in God's work in us and through us in Ireland.

Thank you for praying for us this year...

for lifting up our ministry with artists and with our church here in Kansas City...
for praying for our not-yet-believing friends, our Irish coworkers, and GEM colleagues in Ireland...
for ministering to us through your friendship, encouragement and wisdom....

We almost literally cannot wait to "take you with us" back to Ireland. So pack your suitcases, because 2012 is the year we all go back!

"If My People": A Day of Prayer for Ireland 11/11/11

2011-10-07T12:50:00.002-05:00

From Evangelical Alliance Ireland:

If you and your church would like to take action to break down walls between you and Christians culturally different from you, you might get involved in “If My People”, culminating on 11/11/11.Each of us is convinced in our hearts that unity is a key to God’s Kingdom being expressed fully in Ireland. We believe the way forward is together. This is made clear in such verses as:

“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with oneness.” Ephesians 4:4-6

Equally, we’re convinced that prayer is the foundation for the movement of God. Thus we are seeking to move together in a prayer initiative, culminating on a day of prayer on November 11, 2011. (11/11/11). What new relationships can you forge that will express unity and move us corporately towards prayer?

Ebenezers

2011-09-25T22:48:00.006-05:00

ebenezer : Stone of help, the place where Samuel erected a monument, in grateful remembrance of the divine help, given in answer to prayer, in a great battle with the Philistines. The same place had before witnessed the defeat of Israel and the capture of the ark, 1 Samuel 4:1; 5:1; 7:5-12.

Several years ago I was encouraged to keep track of my "ebenezers": metaphorical stones marking a path of promises kept, a history remembered, of God's faithfulness. I haven't yet set up those stones, but I do have a different sort of ebenezer.

The prayer letter.

I've been spending a bit of time poring over those letters. Prayers asked and answered, babies born, a windy road towards Ireland and back, opportunities to love and to serve and to wait on Him, mercies new every morning. So amazing that He called us to this, and so many amazing ways He's provided. I'm so glad I have this paper trail of ebenezers cluttering my desk and my hard drive. So thankful to have been able to share them with you along the way, even if it meant a little extra clutter on your desk or hard drive. Sorry about that.

On the other side : a brief support update

2011-08-02T15:00:00.007-05:00

The only thing holding us back now is reaching 100% of our monthly support. We only have about 35% of our monthly support left to raise! Our GEM Ireland team is ready to have us back, our Irish co-workers are anxious for us to join them, and our kids are so ready to return home.

Please continue praying for new people to join our ministry team through prayer and monthly support. And please consider if God is asking you to join us in His work in Ireland. If you've thought about support before, but didn't know when or how to do it, now is a great time to start!

To donate online via credit card*:
visit https://dlq4.donatelinq.net/qv10/donation.aspx?MerchantID=gemissionorg&lnk=

fill out your information
select "Missionaries" in the drop down menu
under "choose a subcategory", select our name - Huber, Matthew & Karen #23230
fill in the amount
check the "Make this a recurring transaction" box, then select frequency.

*According to GEM's website: "The following is based on a credit card charge amount of 3.00%. If you want your missionary to receive $100.00, you will need to give $103.00. If you give $100.00, your missionary will receive $97.00."

We can't wait to take you all back there with us!

The beginning of the endings

2011-08-02T14:53:00.003-05:00

We recently found out that the the artist cooperative where Matt spent the majority of this year working at and serving in, as well as where our church met had permanently closed its doors due to unforseen financial circumstances.

Serving, loving, and "being Jesus to" a community of people who don't yet know God was a critical desire for us in shaping our hearts for church planting in Ireland. Thank you so much for praying for our ministry within this community (and the Crossroads Arts district) over these past 10 months. We were greatly blessed by our time there, we believe important relationships have been built, and we know that God is wooing the hearts of those He brought us into contact with.

Still, we are sad as we say goodbye to this sweet phase of ministry and relationship, while still looking forward to continuing this gospel-centred culture conversation on the other side.

Family Purpose Statement

2011-07-18T14:01:00.007-05:00

A bit of our Home Ministry Assignment has been spent nurturing our family and growing closer to Christ together. It's been a sweet time, one that we have tried not to take for granted and praise Him for. Sometimes it's almost too easy to get caught up in the frantic business of change when one is moving overseas and starting full time ministry. We realized this hard fact back before we left Ireland and sought to slow down and further develop our family's identity in Christ.

With that in mind, I wanted to share with you our family purpose statement. I got this idea from Tsh Oxenreider's book Organized Simplicity (a great read for the mom who finds herself overseas and back again, struggling to simplify and declutter between international expeditions and ministry assignments). We've had a mission statement for our ministry with GEM for a few years, but wanted to incorporate our vision for being a family following Christ and what that would look like near or far.

It's a small thing really, just some words on paper, hopes for the future, desires for a family. But we're finding that, as we follow Him back to Ireland, He's refining who we are and we are still discovering how He has called us to live.

Do you have a family purpose statement, mission statement, or dream?

New prayer card

2011-06-06T12:19:00.001-05:00

If you would like one to put up on your fridge or to show your friends and family what we're about, contact us here.

Five things to do when you relocate

2011-04-18T22:04:00.006-05:00

There are a lot of downsides to relocating every couple of years: uprooting a nearly new home, saying goodbye to friends, trying to find new friends, learning where everything is and then forgetting how to get there... I could go on and on. And yet, there are a few helpful and enjoyable things that I've tried to incorporate with every new move with the hopes that this one, this latest move, will be easier than the one before.

1. Find - and visit - your local library

It's not just enough to know where it is, you have to actually go there! Before we moved overseas, I knew where our local library was and liked its close proximity to our house, but I think I only ventured in there once and it was to use the free internet to buy U2 tickets online in 2001. Shameful!

When we settled in our lovely village in County Meath, I made it my mission to find the nearest library and patronize it. Got a card and everything. And the world - or rather, that tiny part of Ireland - opened up for me, and with it came book club and friends and storytime with the kiddos and wall art on loan, not to mention the books and the lovely Fergus who paid my overdue fine. every. time.

Then, upon arriving back on the scene in the Midwest of the US, I again sought out the library, and walk my kids there weekly, anxious to see what will await us. Visiting your local library (frequently!) grounds you in your community, provides you with excuses to read anything or everything, and may even introduce you to your next best friend. Trust me.

2. Walk around your block, and then the one after that

The best way to not feel like a newbie weirdo in your unfamiliar neighbourhood? Become familiar with it. Walk it, explore it, wave to the neighbours, and repeat. You won't ever feel like you're at home until you recognize its scents, the way the leaves look in the sunset, or the children who call out to your children by name.

The Irish village we called home was easy to walk because, quite frankly, everyone walked. And when you try to pass someone on a very narrow stretch of footpath, you have to say hello. Not only this, but in our village, all the essential places - the shop, the post office, the pub - were all within a short walk. These places are where community happens and being able to walk there, and being willing to walk there, lessens our solitary confinement and enhances our community experience.

And when I walk, I pray. I pray for what I see, what's around me, and who may pass me by. This, more than anything, enhances the love I feel for the place I start to call home.

3. Research the Farmers' Market scene

Looking for good bread from the Mennonites? Love freshly picked flowers on a bright spring morning? Wonder where on earth you're going to find locally resourced honey to help you out with your wicked pollen allergies? Look no further than a Farmers' Market.

There are a handful that gather within 10 miles of our home, but the one I fancy is in downtown Kansas City (that's city centre to my European readers) and I would rather be there than anywhere else on a Saturday morning. The smells and sights and sounds emanating from this large city block make my heart happy. And we usually leave with a stroller-basket-full of fresh, locally grown, clean veggies and fruit. Not to mention cinnamon rolls, kettle corn, spices, daisies, honey (for the girl with eczema), etc., etc.

I've also heard it mentioned that one can find local organic farmers' markets, as well. I'm almost afraid to test this theory as I love our City Market farmers' market just too much and don't want to be tempted to stray. If you do have experience in this, though, feel free to add your thoughts below.

4. Find & play in green space

If you've recently moved to an urban area, this may seem unlikely at first. But at least in our current city, and the ones we've lived near in the past, this is more common than one might think. Look up your zip code (or township) on Google Maps and look for green. And then go there.

We have several beautiful parks out here in the suburbs, many of which have excellent playgrounds for the children to use and abuse, but my favourite parks are always in the city. Whether it's a large urban park with ducks in a pond, or a walking trail down an old trolley line, or even a field at the end of your cul-de-sac, go out and play on some green. You'll meet people, you'll laugh, you'll get dirty, and you'll tire yourself and your children (and/or pets) out and get a good night's sleep. Sounds like a bargain to me.

5. Rethink church

Not just think church, re-think church. I don't mean rethink whether or not you go to church or stop going altogether. On the contrary, there is no better time to evaluate what church means to you (and your family) and how you want faith to shape your home and your life than when you relocate to a new area of the state, country, or world.

Don't just look for that good 'ole denominational back-up, or plop into a new congregation sight unseen. Take some time to research, pray, prioritize, and seek out a faith community. Apart from parenting, there is probably no other greater influence on the life of your marriage, your family and your kids than the place where you will learn about God. The future really is shaped by what we believe about God and how we feel about His Son, Jesus Christ, and what we intend to do with that information.

Do you want your children to worship in church with you? Or are you looking for highly-efficient children's programs? Are you looking for something large with several extracurricular options? Or are you looking for an intimate family of believers? Are you searching for relationships over religion? Do you want your church, your community, and your mission field to blend into one? None of these things are mutually exclusive, but we all have a priority list when it comes to how we want to be involved in our faith. Take your time, visit, and pray... this may be the very best time to step out of one's pew and rethink what church really does mean.

These are just my five things, and there are probably loads more to choose from. If you've relocated recently, what do you suggest? I'm still looking for a few new things to try!

Paddy's Day, on this side

2011-03-17T18:36:00.007-05:00

We're loving Ireland from afar, on this the holiest of all holy Irish days. There will be prayers and emails, skypes and pictures, but here is where we are and here is where we'll celebrate. There's a new batch of people in our little community, who - much to our surprise and delight - are anxious to experience this day with us and see the country and the people through our eyes. That seems so strange to me (me, us, of all people, who struggled to stay afloat sometimes but hung on until we felt something close to home and a divine contentment in our souls, and until the people there became part of us and, hopefully, we them). So strange, but a profound blessing, to now be their ambassadors here.

this time last year...

Matt's birthday on a plane

2011-03-11T14:02:00.004-06:00

Matt is spending his 35th birthday on a plane headed to California for an MPD trip. Though I miss him loads every time he takes a trip, I'm so happy to see him go and visit family and friends and report to people who are invested in what we do.

The kiddos and I are chillin' at home, looking forward to some warmer weather during Spring Break, and experimenting with some Lenten activities. Matt jokes that he gave up his birthday for Lent, and I'm trying to - seriously - fast from Facebook for Lent. I feel ridiculous just saying that, but am excited to put on something for Lent as well: writing. I'm anxious to commune with Jesus (and others) through written prayers and thoughts during this meditative season.

In our last update, I mentioned that I was very happy to work on a little project for Evangelical Alliance Ireland, helping them design some new website images (I've posted some below). Head on over to their website for a look at their new mission statement and thoughts on the recent national elections.

Thank you for your continued interested in us and God's work in Ireland!

new : EAI banners

2011-03-11T13:18:00.001-06:00

Spring Swell

2011-02-01T22:23:00.001-06:00

Some of the reasons why we love Ireland...

2011-01-10T20:05:00.003-06:00

This is actually an advertisement for the Dublin Airport, but it's a really creative way of showing the positive impact Ireland has had on the world. Enjoy!

The elusive family Christmas portrait

2010-12-28T21:40:00.001-06:00

Happy Christmas from the Hubers!

Thoughts on writing about Ireland

2010-12-09T13:30:00.002-06:00

It’s hard for me to write about Ireland without crying.

I’ve been tasked with a assignment: write about Ireland and Europe for our organization’s website. This job really super excites me. It gets me writing, thinking, creating, and talking about my favourite subjects with some of my favourite people. Not only that, but there are people out there who might not yet feel a call to Europe who may read what I write and feel compelled…

But… I have one sentence written, and the tears start to come.

I’m not really sure why I’m like this. I wasn’t this way while in Ireland. Our time there was busy and a little chaotic, taking the children to and fro, walking to the shop and the post, laughing with youth, meeting with youth workers, planning for future events and trips and lessons, listening to our neighbours, praying for our community, learning about who we were and who God was in Ireland. Seeing Him work through us and around us and in spite of us.

Now, we are on home assignment and we hear about Ireland from afar: emails from friends, updates from coworkers, and most recently, pictures of the unusual snowfall. Then there’s the story of the financial crisis, the European Union bailout, the distrust for the government, and the anger of the people. It makes us long for Ireland. And when we share the stories, the prayers, and the images, our hearts feel heavy and our anxiousness to return increases.

So I need to write this story. With every word I hope I’ll feel closer to Ireland.

If following Jesus were a currency...

2010-11-08T22:41:00.003-06:00

...Europe would be in poverty.

New GEM website

2010-10-08T16:46:00.004-05:00

Our organization, Greater Europe Mission, has a new website! Check it out!

New Hope

2010-09-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Great Hope from Greater Europe Mission on Vimeo.

Amazing Comments

2010-09-25T19:24:00.000-05:00

Amazing Comments from Greater Europe Mission on Vimeo.

KC Irish Fest 2010

2010-09-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

Since being back in Kansas City, we have thoroughly enjoyed exploring some brilliant cultural events. This weekend has been a festival weekend of sorts, with First Fridays, River Market, and KC Irish Fest all happening at the same time. Well, really River Market is every weekend, but we finally got to it this weekend. But for our Irish friends and supporters - several of which joined us today for some great Irish craic, a few pics of the festivities:

I wish I had more pics of the actual goings-on at Irish Fest, but really, Ireland - for us - is all about the relationships... so this is what our images of today are. Great relationships with some awesome people enjoying art and music and Ireland together.

Ella + Preschool = Awesome

2010-09-08T20:17:00.002-05:00

Well, another milestone has been passed. Ella, the only girl and wild-child, is in preschool. We are ecstatic to see her go off and learn and have fun twice a week. It gives Mommy (and little brother) a much needed break, though we miss her to pieces while she's gone. I keep the phone with me - on high - while she's at school, just in case... cuz, you know, she is Ella.

The wee lad is 1

2010-09-07T19:10:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that Asher is a brand new one-year-old! Seems like just yesterday I was super stressed about giving birth in another country and wondering how on earth we would handle three kiddos. Somehow, we all survived and I don't think any of us can imagine life without our wee lad. Here are some pics of the festivities at Aunt Laura's house:

Fussy Mummy

2010-08-18T22:40:00.003-05:00

[Disclaimer: Not really ministry related, but a scenario I'm sure all parents - especially the maternal ones - can relate to!]

I'm not sure when it happened. It totally snuck up on me, caught me by surprise, and brought a tear to my eye. I have become that mother.

You know the one: she paces the living room floor waiting for that glimpse of her child after the first day of school. She frets over him making a friend, eating his lunch, getting on the right bus. She chews her nails thinking of the wrong words he may use (Irish words or phrases that are now second nature and stand out in American contexts). She sees him on the bus, leaving for the day, and her heart breaks at his enthusiasm and vulnerability and joy at going to school, knowing that someday - perhaps someday soon - his naivete will be shattered by reality: school sucks. Kids can be mean. Still ten years to go.

Yep, that was me as the boy experienced his first day of American elementary school yesterday. I was a wreck. But the boy was a trooper. I got a little bit sick to my stomach. He ate breakfast and the school lunch AND his brown bag lunch. I cried a little bit. He laughed and jumped and smiled, telling us about his bus adventure and the one girl who wasn't so keen on him hugging her.

Grade Card
The Boy : A+
Mommy : F

The strange thing is, we've always really promoted independence and resourcefulness and thick skins in our little family. We never really worried much about him as a baby or small child. I don't think it was really till we moved overseas - and I saw that he really was just a wee lad and still vulnerable and innocent and prone to heartbreak - that I started to fret. And now that we're back, we're all having to start over. Back in our homeland, where us adults were born and reared and should recognize and remember everything, we're having to relearn the whole system. And that causes me, a fussy mummy and a stressed wife, to worry just a bit more about how everyone is doing and if we'll all succeed.

So far, the first big test of school and boys, my son is a success. His mom, on the other hand, could use some work. Must study and research and give myself a few pop quizzes over the next semester or two. After all, we'll be doing this all over again back in Ireland next year.

Onward and upward

2010-08-11T22:30:00.002-05:00

After two months in Wisconsin with Matt's family, we are now in Kansas City, Missouri, close to Karen's family and our support base, to spend the next year. It was a long drive, a hard leave, and a tough start, but we're happy to be here and excited for the next phase. What's the next phase, you ask? Well, on Monday Jackson begins school, going into the 2nd grade, and a bit nervous about his first foray into the US education system. In the beginning of September, little Ella begins preschool - something we are all extremely excited about (and mommy is very thankful for).

Then in mid-September the adults go back to school... kinda... we'll be participating in an online, interactive church planting training course. What we're super excited about is that this training is for the "missional" model of church planting, a philosophy of church that we think translates well in the European context. What we see as missional is really being "on mission" with God and with other believers, going out into our communities and cultures and contexts, pointing others to Him and what it means to have a relationship with Him, and then getting to do it all together. Church.

Sound fluffy and new agey? Yeah, kinda. But it also sounds life-changing. We can't wait to experience this next phase, knowing it will help bring us back around to Ireland.

Summer 2010 snapshots

2010-08-08T16:45:00.002-05:00

a day at the beach in Chicago with old friends

@ Moody with the kids

with family in Cedarburg, WI

reunion with Matt's youth group friends and our Moody buddies (and all our kids!)

feeding a Cebu @ the NEW Zoo

our 11th anniversary in Door County

More images can be seen here!

HMA FAQ

2010-07-27T22:21:00.008-05:00

Some frequently asked questions about our time in the US:

Are you still with GEM?
Yes! We have completed our EuroQuest term with Greater Europe Mission and are preparing to return to Ireland as long-term missionaries!

Do you still need financial support?
Yes. Since we are still employees of GEM, we will live off our monthly support while in the US, as well as begin raising the additional funds needed to return to Ireland long-term.

What is HMA?
Home Ministry Assignment (HMA) is similar to furlough. We're not on vacation while in the states; there is plenty of work to be done! Apart from ministry partner development, we have some additional projects to complete during our time in the US.

What projects are you working on?
First we will be taking an online course for church planters. It is an intensive course that will guide us through the missional church planting process and build on what we were already doing in Ireland. Also, our field leadership has encouraged us to take some classes to develop our professional skills. As you know, Karen was able to do some graphic design and web design work for the Evangelical Alliance Ireland. So, Karen will be taking one or two design classes to stay current with the relevant software. We will also be investigating and developing relationships with missional/incarnational ministries in and around Kansas City that are similar to what GEM is doing in Ireland.

Where are you now? Where are you going?
We will be in Wisconsin until August 11, when we will then move to Kansas City, MO for the 2010-2011 school year. We've already begun traveling around the Midwest to visit supporters and look forward to visiting more potential ministry partners and churches in the coming months.

When are you going back to Ireland?
Our hope is to return to Ireland in time for Jack and Ella to begin school, towards the end of August 2011. But like everything else, the exact "when" is up to God!

We gladly welcome any and all questions you have for us! You can contact us at matthew.huber@gemission.org.

Chicagoland

2010-07-15T21:51:00.003-05:00

We just returned from a great first trip visiting supporters, friends and family in the Chicago area. This place is special to us because a) that's where we met and fell in love and b) people we know and love continue to live and thrive and return there. So we return there as well, every few years or so, to meet children and husbands and catch up and share life and hug and sometimes cry, but mostly, just to be together.

This was the first trip where we were actually visiting supporters (and Grandma) and reporting back to them about our time in Ireland, to share with them about their investment they've made in Irish hearts and living rooms and communities and churches. It's a bit strange, actually, trying to condense two years of living into one fluid exchange. But mostly it's great and lovely looking back. These are people who have not only supported us financially, but who pray for us unendingly, love us unconditionally, and they now have a love for Ireland, as well.

It gets us excited about what's ahead. It leaves us feeling so incredibly grateful and honoured to have them with us on this road. Wish we could take them all back with us.

Pictures will come. After laundry.

Images from the in-between

2010-06-28T21:51:00.002-05:00

We're enjoying catching our breath and spending time with the grandparents, as well as doing a bit of traveling meeting up with people. Here's just a few images from this special time period, which I refer to as "the in-between".

Here and there and back again

2010-06-10T21:49:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to say, yes, we arrived safe and sound and mostly sane in the US on Monday afternoon. These last few days have been spent readjusting to the time change, to our surroundings, and to life as nomads. Needless to say, we are tired. Please pray for us in these coming days and weeks as we integrate back into American culture, try to settle into a new family and work routine, and make plans for our HMA projects.

More info will come soon... but for now, sleep.

Home Assignment dates and locations

2010-05-27T10:37:00.002-05:00

We will be arriving in Chicago on June 7 (11 days!). We will spend June July and the first 2 weeks of August based in Appleton, Wisconsin. So if you're located in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, let us know if you'd like a pop-in this summer!

In mid-August we'll make our way down to Kansas City, Missouri to spend the school year. We have some friends there who have graciously opened their home to us. Once there, the kids will be in school and preschool, Karen hopes to take a graphic design course, and we will begin a missional church planting training program. So starting this Autumn, if you live in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska or Iowa, we plan on meeting up with all of you, too!

Now don't fret if you live in the far reaches of the US. Though Karen and the kids will be more tethered to the KC area because of school, Matt is ready, willing, and able to take some trips and visit our awesome supporters and prayer warriors. Very little is on the schedule so far, but we'll know more about our travel and support raising plans once we settle in Wisconsin.

So, changes are ahead. Transition is coming. Flexibility is the name of the game. Prayers for our little family continue to be much appreciated! :) Can't wait to see you all and share with you how God has changed our lives and enabled us to serve Him in Ireland! See you soon!

Winding Down

2010-05-01T15:17:00.003-05:00

Our time in Ireland is rapidly coming to an end... at least for now. We've bought plane tickets home for June 7th, and inside we are filled with joyful anticipation and painful knots of anxiety. Always both, the good and the hard, go hand in hand in this life.

As the school year lasts until end of June, Matt still has youth work and Jackson still has school going on. Next week, Matt will also be travelling to Cornwall, England with a colleague to do some research for a future ministry possibility. We are praying this will be a fruitful and confirming time for them. I'm in the process of training my replacement for the EAI website and also still really enjoying book club and Bible study. In fact, for my last book club, we're gonna have a little party! I feel like I have found a few kindred spirits in that group, not just our love for books, but really women with who I've grown quite fond of. Hard to think about leaving them for awhile. I feel like our relationships are just at the place where they could take off any minute and enter new spiritual and emotional territory, and yet we're having to say goodbye. Always, the good and the hard...

In the meantime, we pack and clean and store and give away. Time to say goodbye well and prepare to come back again.

Vocal Exercises

2010-04-08T12:41:00.009-05:00

For the grandparents...

What's the buzz, tell me what's-a-happenin'?

2010-03-31T16:25:00.003-05:00

These days I'm finding it impossible to keep up with blogging! For some reason, it's just not at the top of my priority list. I'm thinking that the three kiddos may have something to do with that!

So what's happening this week? Jackson is on his two-week-long Easter holidays (break) from school. Matt just returned from camp at Ovoca Manor (4 days is simply too long for Daddy to be away from home!). Karen is catching up on some EAI web stuff. Ella is still struggling with this nagging cough and cold stuff (asthma, here we come...?). Asher is trying so very hard to get into the eating real food thing, but shows no interest whatsoever in sleeping through the night.

We are also reflecting on our Field-Wide Strategic Planning meetings we had last week with our Irish GEM coworkers. It's always good, and perhaps a bit stressful, to get us all in one room and talk about where we're at, what we're doing, and what the future looks like in terms of Ireland and the Gospel. One of the questions we came back to was, "Do we really understand the good news of the Gospel?" This may seem like an easy-to-answer question, but in terms of our context, living in post-modern, post-Christian Europe, there are no easy answers. Contemplating the answer is well-worth our time and energy. As a leader of one of the church movements in Dublin suggested, now we must take the time for a period of serious reflection.

What will that look like? Well, we're not exactly sure yet. But leading up to Good Friday and Easter, now may be the best of times to stop, step back, fast and pray.

EEK, March Already!

2010-03-06T15:55:00.003-06:00

All of the sudden it's March and Spring is (hopefully) upon us. Here are some pics from the recent months, including a couple of birthdays - Jackson's 7th and Asher's 6 month, a working holiday to Austria, and some cute pics of the kiddos.

2009 Wrap-up

2010-01-04T16:01:00.007-06:00

Here are some family highlights from 2009:

A family holiday to Kinsale, Co Cork to celebrate the New Year
Our first snowfall in Ireland in February
A visit from Karen's sister and our friend Erin for St Patrick's Day
Easter camp at Ovoca Manor
An ever-expanding pregnant Karen
A trip back to the US for a family wedding
Boarding the Logos Hope (OM) when it docked in Dublin
Karen's book club
A day in the city, just the two of us, visiting museums and eating crepes at a sidewalk cafe
Barbecue on the beach with the Loughshinny youth club (the LYC)
The 2nd annual Huber tradition of enjoying the Docklands Maritime Festival
Jackson finishing up his first year of school in Ireland
Schrute Farms, our little garden allotment in the country
Visiting Glendalough with the president of GEM and some friends (also visiting Glenadough with Matt's parents)
Karen's mom arriving just in time for...
The birth of Asher
Matt climbing Slieve Binian with a close friend
Saturday nights at Impact (youth group for older teens) and Friday nights with the LYC
Visits from all of our parents and introducing them to our life in Ireland
NFL game and sightseeing in London
3 trips in 3 months to the ER and one lengthy hospitalization (not really a highlight, but definitely noteworthy)
Karen's weekly Bible study and her cool lady friends
Christmas and carols and holiday school plays
God meeting our needs in never-ending surprising and loving ways
More memories than we can count...

2010 will be a year of more changes and transitions for our family, but it'll be hard to beat the excitement and joy that 2009 brought our way. Hope you'll join us again for another wild ride!

Christmas Images

2009-12-21T13:17:00.003-06:00

Christmastime is definitely here (I know this from the amount of times iTunes has played this very song in the last week or so). Here are a few images from our holiday season.

What's got everyone talking?

2009-12-10T06:03:00.003-06:00

Well, besides the 2010 Irish budget, the thing that's got most people we know here talking is this recent opinion piece in the Irish Times. It is a response to the most recent report on the widespread and tragic abuse of children within the catholic church. Please take a moment to read it.

A Catholic rather than a Christian country

We appear not to have absorbed into our culture any real understanding of what Christ came to tell us, writes JOHN WATERS

THERE IS a place, between pew and public square, which has yet to be heard or even acknowledged in the wake of the Dublin diocesan report. It is not reached by either the moral/legalism of the media-driven public conversation or the pious mantras in which the Irish Catholic Church addresses its faithful.

Because our public discourse has an agnostic rulebook, there are limits to its probing. All Christians are citizens but not all citizens Christians, so the discussion avoids showing an interest in matters that might be deemed in-house. The Murphy report has, of course, many implications of a civic, moral and socio-political complexion, and the debate has been pretty exhaustive about these. But there are deeper questions pertaining to Christianity, which by definition cannot be dealt with in a public discussion in which faith has been separated from knowledge of reality.

Catholics can go to church seeking answers, but the most they can hope for is a replication of the responses offered to the civic realm. Some priests may address their congregations, but of necessity their contributions will be tailored to take account of external realities, while adhering to a form of cultural expression that might be deemed part of the larger problem. The bishops are preoccupied with institutional survival.

This crisis did not begin, or become visible, with the publication of the Murphy report, which outlines symptoms rather than root problems. The fundamental crisis is not institutional, but lies at the heart of Irish Christianity. It will not be ended by resignations or public apologies. It has provoked a number of other crises at the social and civic levels, which may well be ameliorated by such gestures, but these are secondary.

Sociological analyses are beside the point. By way of defining the true crisis, I have to ask a question implicitly considered beyond the remit of secular journalism: where does Irish Catholicism stand with Christ? There is a superficial way of asking this that will ground itself immediately in popular piety, provoking a nodding or shaking of heads in acknowledgement of the yawning gap between the principles of Christianity and how certain priests and bishops behaved. But that is not what I have in mind. In fact, this pious understanding of Christianity may be at the root of the evils that have been exposed.

What is assaulted in the Christian sensibility by child abuse and its cover-up is not faith in the integrity of bishops, but an instilled sense of the world revealed by Christ, from the very moments we opened our eyes, in which each of us is loved beyond imagining. The sense of betrayal therefore extends far beyond any sense of the breaching of laws, civil conventions or even moral principles. It is a metaphysical affront.

In their anger, people talk of walking away from the Catholic Church, as though the issue were membership of a club or adherence to an ideology, like a population of Marxists discovering the crimes of its communist rulers. But Christ is not the bearded founder of an interesting philosophical movement, someone we “remember” as having briefly come among us to lay down principles for good living. For Christians, Christ is the incarnation of the mystery that defines humanity.

Somehow, something of this Christ was communicated to us, but our sense of Him remained separate from our relationships with the Catholic Church. In the public expression of faith, we marched under a particular banner, signed up to a moral programme and retained a sentimental idea of a handsome and charismatic man who turned water into wine. But we appear not to have absorbed into our culture any real understanding of what Christ came to tell us. How could we have, if so many of those who told us about Him did not themselves appear to know that He is here every moment? We speak the name of this man-god Christ but no one who eavesdropped on our conversations from outside would gather that we were talking about the redeemer of human fragility and the incarnation of human destiny.

What is missing is not intensity of faith, but awareness of human reality. Christ is not the icon of a popular piety based on a necessary moralism or a salutary tradition. He is a living man, who is here now, and whose presence defines everything. Either we know this or we don’t. It is not a matter of faith, but of knowledge.

Our fundamental – ie religious – relationships are not with priests, bishops, or even the pope, but with a person who happens to be God. Either this is true or it’s not. If it is not, then it is time to discuss the funeral arrangements of the culture we have taken for granted. If we believe it to be true, we need to begin speaking in public about vital things in a way that will allow us to access the full extent of what we imagine we believe.

The shocking possibility arises: Ireland has been a Catholic country, but not really Christian. If so, it should not surprise us that men raised to be priests in such a culture would enjoy no special immunity to evil. But this is the result, not the cause of our problem.

No pigs here

2009-11-22T05:26:00.005-06:00

So we thought the swine flu had infiltrated our house. Ella had been sick for nearly a week, Asher was sounding gross as well, and Mommy had seen better days. Turns out that E had a major chest infection and is currently spending her 3rd day in the hospital. Good news is she's feeling loads better (as evidenced by the picture below), though still needs some monitoring for the oxygen levels in her blood. Hopefully she'll be released today. We're so happy to be getting our Ella-monster back. It's been quite an ordeal.

Oh, and Asher has bronchiolitis. He's finally starting to eat better, but a sick baby who can't breathe through his nose is an angry baby. Mommy's hanging in there, too. Sore throat and unbelievably runny nose, but still kickin' it.

Long week.

6%

2009-10-06T04:36:00.003-05:00

A recent poll from Christianity Today asks: On which continent does your church seem to focus its missions?

The results?

Europe

Asia/Australia

25%

Africa

37%

North America

20%

South America/Antarctica

11%

Europe's Past is Today's Hope

2009-10-06T04:31:00.004-05:00

From Christianity Today:

When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, much successor speculation focused on the global South, where the Roman Catholic Church continues to grow. By elevating a cardinal from Africa or South America, Rome could have highlighted a success story. Instead, the church reached into the heart of secular Europe for Pope Benedict XVI from Germany. His selection sent a clear message: Rome will not give up on Europe without a fight.

The magnitude of the challenge can be found in the Czech Republic. During the 1990s, church affiliation in the country of 10 million dropped from 4.5 million to 3.3 million. Following decades of communist indoctrination, only half of Czech citizens even believe in God. So Pope Benedict XVI faced a skeptical audience when he visited the Czech Republic in late September. Yet that may have been just the audience he was looking for to deliver his message of Christian hope: Nothing and no one but Jesus Christ can fulfill the deepest human longings.

Continue reading this article...

New Family Photo

2009-09-27T17:22:00.004-05:00

And the punctuality award goes to...

2009-08-28T12:22:00.005-05:00

Our baby boy, Asher Jared, who was born on his due date, 24 August, at 6.15 am.

One week and counting...

2009-08-17T08:14:00.003-05:00

Today marks the beginning of the last week (supposedly) of Karen's pregnancy - week 39. We are anxiously waiting the arrival of this little - or not so little - boy! Karen is sore and tired and ready to be done, so please keep her and the baby in your prayers. To help us out during this stressful and soon-to-be very busy time, Karen's mom is flying in on Wednesday for 3 weeks. The kids are thrilled to have Granny come back and spend some quality time with them. We know it'll be a difficult transition for both of them, so you could also pray for Jack & Ella, as well.

Because of the pregnancy and close proximity to the due date, we were unable to attend GEM's annual conference this year. We were so sad to miss out on this crucial time of fellowship, renewal, and spiritual challenges, though we know it was for a good reason. However, we did get to spend a good deal of time with GEM's new president, Henry, and his wife Celia, while they took a detour through Dublin for a few days. We work for a great organization! It's an honour to work alongside and learn from so many wise, dedicated, and fun people.

In other news, we are looking forward to the start of a new school year and all that entails. Jackson will be entering Senior Infants (kinda like Kindergarten Part 2) and he cannot wait to get back! We feel so blessed that he's thrived so well at school. He really seems to enjoy learning! Matt will begin working with a youth club in North County Dublin this Autumn and Karen will be switching her ministry role from part-time graphic and web designer to full-time Mummy (speaking of which, check out my last assignment and latest website for the EAI: http://cslewislecture.ie). Lots of changes ahead, but all very exciting...

As always, thanks for your prayers! These last few months have not been without some significant challenges, so our gratefulness for you and your support has grown exponentially!

Photos & such

2009-08-02T10:38:00.005-05:00

Here are just a few images from our last few weeks...

Karen leading a session on spiritual gifts for a summer youth internship

Matt, Henry (the president of GEM) and various other people on a "tech break" during our hike through Glendalough.

Jackson, Ella & Moia (fellow little GEM-k) taking a break from hiking to pose

Matt & new friend Dale (visiting from the US to help with Swords kids club) at the Swords Church picnic

Family News

2009-07-23T04:49:00.004-05:00

This week Jackson has enjoyed going to Kids Club (VBS) in Swords, about a 1/2 hour south of us. He really seems to thrive on group activities, Bible stories and loud singing! Whilst Jackson is preoccupied, we've been busy at home trying to potty train Ella. It's slow-going, but she seems to understand the concept. It's always a very beautiful moment when she sits on the potty, looks at us lovingly, and says, "I'm so proud of you, Mommy."

In baby news, I had a sonogram this past weekend to see exactly how big this child is and if there are any problems. Praise God that everything looks good, the baby is only a tad big and shouldn't cause me too many problems down the home stretch (less than 5 weeks to go!), and it was confirmed we are indeed expecting a BOY! Jackson is over the moon to be having a baby brother, Ella didn't really seem to care either way, and Matt is looking into the future and preparing for the day when three rambunctious children beat him up on a daily basis.

I'm starting to wind down some of my more specific ministry duties. Please pray that God would provide my replacements to help with the EAI websites and church bulletin/power point duties. Though I love working and keeping busy helping in several different areas, I think I am looking forward to full-time mom work.

Next week is stacking up to be another busy week as the president of our organization (along with several members of his family) visits Dublin. We're looking forward to joining him and our team here for some spiritual mapping/prayer walking in Dublin, as well as visiting some cultural/historical sites.

I'm realizing now as I write this that I should probably put together another prayer update before the baby comes... there have been some really exciting developments in relationships we're building here and opportunities to get more involved in the life and well-being of our community, as well as some encouraging responses to our financial support situation. Definitely things to share and offer up praise for!

So stay tuned... until then, time for my late-morning nap. :)

the fam, on Gormanston Beach

Serve the City

2009-07-13T14:47:00.002-05:00

After a week of chaos and some wicked flu illness, we have a busy week ahead of us. Matt is going to be taking part in a project called Serve the City. He'll be traveling down to Blackrock to help on some service projects for a local secondary school. I'll be manning the home front up north, with a brief break on Wednesday when we both go to Malahide to share about spiritual gifts with a group of teens who are taking part in a youth internship. We're really looking forward to a week of different types of ministry and meeting new people.

We would appreciate your prayers especially for our health as we continue to recover from the flu (sounds lame, I know, but this was one heckuva flu bug!), and for our time spent with the youth. We anticipate loads of questions, some of which we may not be able to answer straight away, so pray for God's wisdom to lead us as we share with them.

For more info on Serve The City, visit here.

Head Wounds

2009-07-11T03:25:00.003-05:00

So we had some other excitement this week, besides the wedding. Jackson got his first concussion, the result of standing up under some playground equipment and hitting his head hard. He came home from the playground complaining of some dizziness and drowsiness, but as the afternoon progressed seemed to be feeling a bit better. But after dinner he appeared to be overly confused, drowsy and forgetful, and then he started vomiting.

After a couple of phone calls with the after-hours doctor, Matt took him into Accident & Emergency (our version here of the ER) to be checked out. Two hospitals, a few docs, and a lot more vomit later, it was confirmed that Jackson did indeed have a concussion. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation, being awoken every two hours to check his vitals and responses. By noon the next day (24 hours after the injury), he was nearly completely back to normal, running around the children's ward and asking for a McDonalds milkshake. He was released by 2pm with just some simple "life after head injury" instructions.

I don't think we fully realized how sick he was until he was back to his old self. I'm just so thankful for good doctors, gentle nurses, and Matt who stayed with Jackson all night, sleeping on a recliner. I'm thankful for friends who came and prayed with me or sent me emails with prayers and encouragement. I would easily say that Jackson had over 100 people praying for him Wednesday night! You know who you are and we are so grateful to have you by our side, every step we take along this new and sometimes frightful path. You help sustain us and keep us from freaking out, letting us know we're not alone.

I know lots of kids get concussions (my nephews, for instance, to name just two!), but this was a first for us on so many levels. Being 33 weeks pregnant, dealing with wedding jet-lag, navigating healthcare in a new country, and knowing it's your child who's sick... ugh, it's been a long few days. But today I feel fairly confident that the four of us passed this little test with flying colours! Soon, it'll be my turn to be hospitalized. We'll let you know how that goes! ;-)

One Wedding and a Concussion

2009-07-11T03:08:00.005-05:00

After a year of living in Ireland, we have experienced two more firsts! Our first wedding and our first concussion. Going chronologically, we'll start with the wedding:

On Tuesday morning we headed up into Northern Ireland for a wedding of a good friend of ours, Tim, who is a youth pastor in Swords. It's been so great to get to know him this past year as Matt's been able to work with him and the youth several times, and of course the frequent coffee outings and dinner invites.

We're mostly used to church weddings in the US, with smallish receptions that end in the early evening. But here we were treated to a relaxed and lovely small church wedding (with amazing worship, by the way), an afternoon eating mini sandwiches and drinking tea at a gorgeous country estate, and then an evening reception at a beautiful old hotel with a full dinner, desert, dancing, and even some pizza. :) It was really a wonderful event and we were so honoured to be able to share the day with many of our new friends here!

Stay tuned for the concussion...

4th of July

2009-07-06T06:58:00.006-05:00

We just celebrated a lovely 4th of July holiday with our GEM coworkers on Saturday. The rain only persisted long enough to soak Matt while he grilled burgers and dogs, but afterwards the sun came out and the day ended warm and beautifully. Here are a few pics:

Websites and Such

2009-06-19T05:32:00.002-05:00

While Matt has been exploring the outdoors with young people, I have been exploring the internet (indoors) through my work with the Evangelical Alliance.

During these difficult times, Loving Your Neighbour seems to be on everyone's mind. How on earth do we show love to people - who may be your neighbour, but who also may be a stranger, an immigrant, or a seeker - when times are tough, we're all feeling weak and confused, and hopelessness seems to lurk around every corner?

Enter EAI's new site www.LoveYourNeighbour.ie. Now, I'm not the best website developer, but I am able to edit, upload, format, and try to make pretty a page or two. There are loads of stories, pictures and videos with simple, yet profound ways to make a positive impact in the day (or life) of those around us. So check it out, and let me know what you think! And if you have any ideas/stories of how you are loving your neighbour these days, pass it along!

Ministry Catch-Up

2009-06-19T05:26:00.002-05:00

Pregnancy has taken its toll on the blogging, so there has been a definite lack of stories and updates and pictures. So sorry for that! Here's a quick start at remedying the situation.

In April (I think), Matt was back down at Ovoca camping with and teaching "Middlers" (8-12 year olds). He talked to them about what it means to be a neighbour, who our neighbours are, and how we show them love through Jesus. Excellent times were had by all, including several strange pictures of campers doing strange things. Here's a small sampling:

Anniversary

2009-05-05T00:18:00.000-05:00

One year ago today we moved to Ireland. I can hardly believe time has passed by so quickly, though I know that's due in large part to our daily and unceasing learning, studying, watching, working, surviving, thriving, playing, crying, and all other types of activities that make time fly by. I'm actually ashamed to say that there was a point in time where I thought a milestone like this would never come. Oh how silly us humans are, we who doubt God and his ways.

We are now halfway through our current 2-year commitment to GEM and Ireland, though we continue to pray and hope that God wills for us to be here long-term. So far, He's taken care of us in every way and allowed us to be a part of some super fantastic things (more on that to come).

Happy 1 year anniversary, Ireland! Here's to many more!

Easter

2009-04-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

We just celebrated our first Easter in Ireland, marking what we think will be our "last first" here (other than our 1st anniversary of course). We had a wonderful time celebrating the day with our field director's family talking American sports, Irish sports, the economy, dead cats, and everything in between. It was actually a surprise for us to realise that we weren't homesick at all! Usually holidays bring out the blues a little bit, but we felt right at home and among family. After spending all afternoon there, we went to the first Easter service for a new church plant we're a part of here.

All in all, a really good day.

Back to Ovoca

2009-04-03T10:30:00.003-05:00

Matt is on his way back down to Ovoca Manor to speak at a camp for 8-12 year olds. He was pretty stoked about getting back down to camp, teaching the kids, and hanging with the other leaders who are becoming good friends. Pray that his time there is well-spent, that his talks will challenge the kids, and that the weather would be agreeable.

And pray that my kids and I survive the long weekend! Ella's been on a bit of an attitude-bender these last few days, thanks in part to the arrival of her 2-year molars. I'm sure it'll all go OK, right?

Matt's birthday

2009-04-02T03:34:00.000-05:00

Matt turned 33 last month (his first birthday in Ireland), so in honour of that, here are a few pics from that day:

Jackson missed this photo op because he was at school. :(

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, year one

2009-03-17T08:21:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day to you, from our own two little leprechauns!

2 months?!

2009-02-20T09:31:00.003-06:00

Oh, wow, I can't believe its been nearly 2 months since we've posted! Not sure where to being or how to fill in the blanks, so let's just take this one step at a time.

The first step, a big one: a new baby. If you receive our monthly prayer updates you're already privy to this information. We're expecting the 5th member of our illustrious family to make an appearance sometime around the end of August. So far, this pregnancy journey has been a tough one, but after hearing the heartbeat last week, we are beginning to feel quite connected to this wee little one. I'm also FINALLY starting to feel like myself again. The non-stop nausea has subsided and while I'm still tired all the time (and currently we're all struggling with various forms of illnesses), I'm able to function more like a normal adult and parent.

So much more to say and share... I'll leave it for more posts, so it looks like I'm super active updating and informing!

Irish Christmas Images

2008-12-26T15:29:00.006-06:00

Jackson & Ella in their Christmas best

Ella and her Peppa Pig dollhouse

Jackson & his new stocking cap

Ella playing with her dollhouse

Matt at our small group's Christmas gathering

Jackson & Joshua (trying to pay attention)

Recession close to home

2008-12-17T07:33:00.003-06:00

Matt went to go get our heater dial fixed on our car this morning. We have a year warranty from our dealership, so they were going to replace that whole panel so that we could control the heat (without using pliers). Our guy at the dealership, Aidan, rang Matt on Monday and told him the part was in, and Matt said he would stop in yesterday to have it fixed. Aidan said whenever was fine because it wouldn't take long, and then our yesterday got all filled up so Matt didn't get out there after all. So he went this morning to the dealership to find it EMPTY.

Closed for business just last night.

I nearly caught myself saying, "Is there anything we can do?" As in, for a second I actually thought we could do something to revive a now-defunct business and get Aidan back his job. That's the thing we might be learning about the term "recession." You don't really know it's here until it's too late.

Advent

2008-12-01T02:54:00.009-06:00

Until recently, Matt & I were somewhat unconcerned about making our own family Christmas traditions. We always lived somewhat near family, so we just piggy-backed on our parents' traditions.

If in Wisconsin, we would have a big dinner (including shrimp cocktail!) and open presents on Christmas Eve with Matt's parents & siblings, then spend Christmas Day with his mom's extended family. If in KC, we would spend Christmas Eve with my dad's family (including a "sister pyramid"),

then spend Christmas Day with my mom, culminating in a trip to the movies. It only briefly bothered me - only after both my kids came along - that we didn't have our own traditions, specific only to us. But I got over it quickly, forgetting about it in the post-Christmas shopping rush.

Then we moved away. Far away. And along with leaving behind our families, we had to leave behind their traditions. I slowy realized that if we were going to make it here, we would need to create new traditions. Traditions of our own. Traditions that bound us here, to Ireland, and would give us - and our children - new memories.

So I began with Advent.

One of the downers of growing up in the "conservative Evangelical" church is that those churches sometimes don't recognize/celebrate/embrace the traditions of the past, particularly traditions of the liturgical Protestant and/or Catholic church. Even in the last few years, with our churches reading from the prophets and the lighting of candles, I sorely felt like I was

missing out on the mystery and wonderment of Christ's birth.

But no more! Yesterday, for our family, we began a new tradition of celebrating Advent every day. I made star and ornament worksheets for the children, numbered 1 to 25. They coloured (or scribbled) their pages, and I cut out the stars and ornaments, writing verses on the back of each. Today, they will be tacked up on the walls for Jack & Ella to search for every night. We will read the scripture on the back (from The Message) and enjoy a little treat saved for them in our "advent box".

Call it a mish-mash of other Advent traditions. Call it a do-it-yourself amateur attempt at family spirituality. Call it ours.

an Irish Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T05:35:00.009-06:00

This week we celebrated our first Thanksgiving in Ireland. While it was slightly bittersweet to be so far away from our parents, siblings, nieces & nephews as they all celebrated together in the States, we had a great day with a few of our GEM coworkers.

What were we thankful for?

Family...eachother...healthy children...technology (skype!)...new friends... Finally being where we are now, for however long that may be, always thankful...

More pics can be seen here. (Join Flickr and make us a contact if you want to see all of our family pictures.)

A Wee Note

2008-11-18T15:17:00.007-06:00

"Wee" being small.

So here is just a wee (small) blog post before my computer runs out of battery. I am watching the Munster/New Zealand rugby game (a very significant cultural experience, I'm told) while Matt packs up shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Shoebox in a warehouse in Swords (about a 1/2 hour south of us). The children are sleeping in the same room tonight as Jackson has taken to becoming extremely lonely in his room. While Gramma Sweetheart has been here, she's enjoyed sharing company with him while sleeping on his floor, but seeing as she's off galavanting in England at the moment, Ella will just have to do.

Just a night in the life of your favourite missionary family. :)

What does tomorrow bring? Matt will be going to class in the city, as he does every Wednesday afternoon, taking Irish Church History at the Irish Bible Institute. I don't have book club this week, so my evening is free... though I suppose I should trek over to the library and check out the latest book club read, if I can remember what it is... I'm actually really enjoying my book club in nearby Balbriggan, led by the affable Fergus, who seems flustered sometimes by his gaggle of book club ladies. Good times abound! Our latest read, The Time Traveler's Wife, was a good one, though really odd.

Mom will be back home late tomorrow night, so I will drag her to my ladies' Bible study in Donabate (studying the book of Mark, and where I also enjoy being the only American among 6 Irish women and 2 Polish women), followed by coffee in Malahide with dear friend Karen Mac.

This may not seem like a lot of activity, but it is amazing how exhausted I am at the end of every day. I think tonight, instead of indulging in my usual late night coffee in order to get work and laundry done, I will lie on the couch and fall asleep listening to the soothing sounds of Irish rugby.

Whew! I made the deadline! Computer shutting down now...

Videos for You

2008-11-06T13:02:00.000-06:00

Ella protesting Hallowe'en

Jackson enjoying some tea

Irish Autumn, take 1

2008-10-21T08:59:00.002-05:00

Posting has been slow lately, as we've been super busy. But we have gotten brief chances to explore the great Irish outdoors during this, our favourite season.

A Grand Day Out (Mourne Mountains)

Ella's 2nd birthday

Trim Castle

Matt's trip out West (County Mayo)

Virtual Prayer Journey

2008-10-07T04:45:00.003-05:00

We are starting to gear up for the next GEM Day of Prayer for Europe. Will you consider joining us, and perhaps thousands of others, in praying for Europe on October 23rd? GEM is in the process of putting together a website where you can "tour" European countries, see pictures, meet workers, and view personal and strategic prayer requests for each nation (hence the title: Virtual Prayer Journey).

We will try to send out an email prayer update as the day approaches! If you'd like to receive our prayer updates, please email us here!

Ploughing, or Plowing

2008-10-04T16:25:00.003-05:00

Last week I (Matt) had the chance to take in one of Ireland’s important annual events: The National Ploughing Championships. And it actually is what the name says. Competitors come from all over Ireland to compete in ploughing. Yes, the farming practice of turning over the soil in preparation for the next seasons crops.

Though, over time the competition has taken a back seat to the festival. There are now displays of farm equipment and car dealers. All the political parties have tents; I even got to see the leader of the opposition party (Fine Gael (fina qwale)) from Parliament (the Dail), Enda Kenny. I saw a booth with an Australian telling me that he had the only tool I would buy that day - I didn’t buy any tools, though. I did buy a hurley, the stick used to play Hurling.

I walked through the pavilion for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I fought hard through a crowd to get a free Hi-Viz Vest from the Farm Journal stand. I learned the difference between hunting and shooting at the Irish Hunting Society Pavilion. What is done in Wisconsin in November isn’t deer hunting its deer shooting, hunting involves dogs and horses and foxes. I kicked the tires of a few tractors. I learned the difference between a Holstein and a Friesian.

I spent a lot of my time watching some of the 70,000 people there. They seemed to come from all different walks of life. There were the famers and rural types, urban types, and urban types trying to be rural types. I saw older men wearing a tweed hat and jacket with some kind of vest underneath. I saw teenagers in football jerseys. I saw thousands of “wellies.”

I also spent some time in the Association of Baptist Churches tent. There were pastors and church workers from all over Ireland handing out tracts and leaflets. They offered tea and juice to the weary. I met a young church planter who left Dublin and headed to Co. Cork to start a new work. There were many people who came through the tent. Most of the people there do not have an evangelical church within reach of where they live.

Hard, but good

2008-09-13T03:32:00.002-05:00

This has been my motto as of late. Life, love, ministry, kids... all hard, but good. Monday was a hard, but good day. And really, it was more good than hard.

The hard part: proof of my baby boy growing up, letting go, continuously giving him up to God and saying "He's Yours".

The good part: a new beginning for Jackson, learning and growing and watching him learn something new every day, Matt saying, "He's becoming Irish!", trusting God more...

GEM London video

2008-09-11T07:47:00.004-05:00

A glimpse of the need for Christ in western Europe (featuring some of our coworkers)...

Miscellaneous Update

2008-09-03T10:46:00.006-05:00

I realized it's been a few weeks since giving an actual update on the goings on in the IRL Hubers Household, so here's the 411:

Jackson's grand entrance into primary education has been delayed a week. The national school (public school, though catholic in practice) in our community will be in a brand new building - if only it gets finished! We continue to be so thankful for your prayers for Jackson. His 1st day of school (as of now) will be Sept 8th.

This Friday marks the first day of a parents & toddlers group that I will be attending monthly. I'm really excited to go and help my friend Karen M. as she starts this new ministry in her parish. Please pray that several families from the community might attend. I'm really excited for the possibility of starting to form some friendships with other parents. I'm also attending a monthly book club - this has been so much fun, not to mention challenging and a little frightening! I think the next big thing I will tackle is a bi-weekly creative writers' meeting... I'll keep you posted...

We also just had a very, very brief visit from my lovely sister, Jessica (known to those close to her as J-LO). Though it was less than 3 days, and getting here was quite stressful for her, we were so happy to be able to show her our new home. We are sad, though, that it will at least be another six months before we get to see her again... I think you don't really realize that your siblings become your best friends until your lives no longer intertwine.

Next week Matt travels out west to visit a church planter in County Mayo. During the course of our first two years here, we will be researching church planting strategies and praying about who God might have us partner with or where we might be long term. We've already met with one lovely church planting couple (in our own county!) and look forward to seeing who God brings along our path and how we might be able to assist them, pray for them, or encourage them.

I hear the boys outside, attempting to wash the car, and there appears to be some sort of ruckus (probably having to do with Jackson wielding a hose). So that's it for now... onto damage control!

Biscuits, Crisps or Chips...

2008-08-29T02:42:00.003-05:00

We just sent out a newsletter yesterday by e-mail (if you would like to receive your very own HUBERnews in your inbox, email us here). It's always a struggle to know what to put in and what not to put in. So here, I have for you, a brief bit that did not make the cut:

Although Ireland is an English speaking country, the English spoken here is not always like American English! At times it feels like we are learning a new language, or at least exchanging familiar words for new, unfamiliar ones. Jackson starts school this Autumn (Fall), where he will wear a uniform consisting of jumper (sweater) and trousers (pants). For lunch, he might eat crisps (chips) or chips (fries). Ella, on the other hand, spends her Sunday mornings in a crèche (nursery) where she will have her nappy (diaper) changed and partake in some biscuits (cookies).

Those few words may not look difficult to get used to, but the brain power that goes into thinking and speaking our way through every day conversations is off the charts! This is just a small sampling of how we are rearranging our words, actions, and lives!

Coming "Home"

2008-08-17T10:31:00.006-05:00

This Monday, for the first time, we came back home to Ireland. I really didn't think much of it until a friend of mine sent me a message: "Welcome home!" For some reason this has taken awhile to get used to, but today I happily rest in being home.

So yes, we are home now from Hungary, where we attended our organization's annual conference. Good times were had by all, especially the children, and we are so grateful that God has led us to this mission. Here are a few pics of our trip (including a brief stop in Vienna). More deep thoughts will be coming your way about our time away, but I will need a few days to process before coherency can commence.

Matt's Camp Update

2008-08-12T15:36:00.004-05:00

Camp ministry has always been important to me. I spent many summers at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp. So when I was asked to speak at Ovoca Manor for a week of youth camp I was very excited. As time got closer to the camp I became more anxious. But as I prayed and studied (Gospel of Mark) I began to think of the question, "Do you know Jesus or do you just know about Jesus?" I wanted to challenge the students to try to know Jesus. As always, I felt the challenge as much as the students.

The other leaders and I spent much time in prayer for students. It was exciting to see the students begin to engagge with the idea that Jesus was a person. Even though many of the students came from Christian background, there was a need to explore a deeper relationship with Jesus. There was one student in particular that we knew came from a difficult family situation. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with him through out the week. (Again I saw how important relationships are here in Ireland.) At the end of the week we challeged the students: after seeing and studying Jesus through Mark's eyes, they needed to choose between knowing Jesus and knowing about Him. Several made commitments for the first time and many more recommitted there lives! It was awesome to just be a part of it.

More camp pics can be seen here.

Check that off the list!

2008-08-01T05:29:00.004-05:00

We accomplished another "first" this week: a first visit to the doctor and accident & emergency (ER). A week post injury, Matt's finger was beginning to look and feel worse, so a doctor's visit was necessary. It turns out we have a general practitioner's office in our village (replete with an American doc on staff). Matt said it wasn't scary at all, so of course I feel better knowing we have a place to take the kids when illness strikes. The doctor recommended he go into to Drogheda to get an xray, which led him to the Accident & Emergency Room, where in fact it was confirmed he had a angled fracture break. So Matt went back in yesterday to have the bone set and is now sporting an awesome metal splint that will remain in place for the next month.

The downside? Well, besides the pain, Matt has to keep finger elevated and out of use most of the time, which means that... I have to cook! Sigh. Also, Matt is going to have me transcribe a prayer update and blog update for him. Stay tuned...

Images from Ovoca

2008-07-22T16:07:00.007-05:00

No one ever said that "clutziness" didn't run in our family!

Apparently "tag" rugby is still intense!

Jackson at the playground @ camp

This one isn't actually from Ovoca. But this is the very first beach Jackson ever walked on. I just wanted to get a picture of Ella walking on it too! (Shankill, Co Dublin)

There will be more pictures from camp to come! I brought the kids home for a few days of sanity and then we'll return there on Friday for Matt's last day. He's really having a great week there, but I think the kids and I can tend to be a bit distracting! Please keep praying for him as he interacts with the youth and the leaders throughout the week.

We've been waiting a long time for this picture...

2008-07-07T15:54:00.003-05:00

Last week we finally got around to taking our orientation trip (one of our assignments during our time of cultural adjustment and acclimation). We decided to go out west for a few days: we travelled through 9 different counties, drove along several coast roads, nearly bottomed-out the car 5 times, got stuck in cow traffic, bus traffic, and fancy-dress bicycle parade traffic, and saw countless beautiful views. It's amazing how vast the landscape is in nearly every part of the country - from our little Oasis in Co Meath, to the Connemara, to the Burren. And in nearly every place we visited, we were amazed that God called us here.

So our crazy month of July has begun. Last week was our trip, this week is the Swords Kids Club (which Jackson is happily attending), next week is the Church of Ireland in Malahide Kids Club (which Jackson is also attending, and I am happily helping out with), and the week after that we head down to Ovoca for our first taste of Irish youth Bible camp! Can't wait to bring you all the updates in the coming days and weeks!

Newgrange Success!

2008-06-25T03:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we finally made our way to Newgrange! It was a navigational success that boosted our spirits and helped us to feel a little more confident in our comings and goings around Ireland.

Jackson

2008-06-18T04:13:00.003-05:00

Jackson was born happy. He was just a jubilant child. Always smiling, always laughing, always chattering. He was just a joy to behold. He made friends easily - always hugging and chasing and rolling on the ground in fits of happiness. His best friend is his cousin, nearly the same age, and they love to sword fight and play tag and pretend they're super heroes.

Jackson is still all of those things - still happy and fun and friendly. But he is really struggling here. The American Jackson doesn't really know how to become the Irish Jackson, and this is causing a lot of angst in our house and, sadly, in our neighbourhood. I'm not sure how to adequately explain to him cultural differences, why he can't hug as much, how to be quieter in public... I'm so afraid to stifle him, and yet he desperately needs an Irish friend.

Would you please pray for Jackson? Please pray for specifically for one good friend. Pray that we would know how to meet his needs and encourage him. Pray also for the people in our community, that we would be gracious to them as we learn how to handle our newly-difficult child.

And for the grammas and grampas back home, try not to worry. But pray for some divine peace and wisdom. We love you and miss you tons, but are comforted immensely by the fact that you have brought us here with your prayers and support. Thank you for continuing to lift us up from afar!

Battle of the... roads...

2008-06-09T15:44:00.012-05:00

Today we had set out to visit one of Ireland's oldest sites. Newgrange is a collection of three neolithic burial mounds: Nowth, Dowth and Newgrange. These monuments are older than the pyramids in Egypt. This was to be a part of our chronological orientation tour (part of our time of cultural acclamation involves taking an "orientation tour" - our hope was to visit some of Ireland's most significant sites chronologically, therefore gaining a better understanding of Ireland cultural history).

So we packed a picnic lunch and headed north to Drogheda and then west. We had navigated well, until... the dreaded "no thru traffic" sign. We tried to work our way a little farther north and then west. We found the Newgrange site but it could only be accessed through the Visitor Center, Brú na Bóinne. It should have only taken us about 25 minutes but after an hour of driving we decided to go to one of the other historic sites in county Meath.

Irish roads are very interesting. They are typically narrow and winding and protected by tall hedge rows. If there is road construction, the "diversion" can take you miles out of the way. However, one of the great aspects of living in Co. Meath (the Royal County) is that there are plenty of historic sites to see.

After we hit another dead end we headed back to the new Battle of the Boyne visitor center. The admission was reasonable and the displays were very interesting. We really enjoyed our time there. It was educational for us, and relaxing for the children. Sometimes rough starts bring about the best days.

One month later...

2008-06-05T10:05:00.005-05:00

One month later and I am finally able to post some of the goodbye pictures. We were really blessed with some great times with family and friends before departing. I actually haven't even seen these pics since that evening... you know how you have an experience and you feel like it's not even real, it couldn't possibly have happened, and yet there's photographic proof? That's how we felt that evening, and how we feel even now, one month in. We are so grateful for the loved ones in these photos, for all of the people who are here with us in prayers and sacrifices and hope...

Our lovely goodbye cake. I think it's supposed to say: "We'll Miss You"

the most faithful of all prayer warriors, surrogate parents, and friends: Jack & Donna

the three amigos

the girls

Papa & Nana

Isle Illness & Other Interesting Info

2008-06-02T06:58:00.008-05:00

Nearly a month in and it was bound to happen : illness has hit our home big time. But it seems to have only taken over Ella's body so far. The poor babe has been in a fit for two days now. No eating, no drinking, no smiling, very little sleeping, and lots and lots of drool and tears. We think she's teething, but the fever and hunger strike are confusing us a bit. So if you could pray for Ella to recover quickly...

In other news, we have been in Ireland 4 weeks today. At times it seems like it has just flown by, at other times our departure from Kansas City seems like another lifetime. We're starting to get our bearings, but once we feel comfortable doing one small thing: buying milk, we are overwhelmed with an entirely new seemingly big thing: finding infant tylenol.

We are homesick, to be sure, and suddenly realize we were more materialistic than we thought (I miss my couch! And my bottled frappucino!). And while we obviously miss our friends and family more than we realized, technology allows us to talk to them frequently, even see them occasionally, and the few new friends we've made here keep the loneliness at bay.

This weekend we were able to meet up with some of our co-workers in Dublin City Centre for the Maritime Festival. My pics aren't quite up yet, so check out Brandon's blog for a couple of pictures. It's really quite wonderful that so many of us on the GEM Ireland team have kids. Jackson is actually on the older end, but he is starting to make some new friends (thanks for praying for that!) in our neighbourhood and church.

Well this post has been long and random. Speaking of random, we found a Gap Outlet in Northern Ireland! Not that we shopped much there in the States, but it's a small comfort in a new land.

Update: our festival pics!

for the grandparents...

2008-05-30T12:10:00.006-05:00

Ireland so far : favorite images

2008-05-27T17:04:00.005-05:00

Irish surprises

2008-05-27T16:36:00.002-05:00

[Matt] We have been in Ireland for three weeks now. At times it has been tiring, exciting and confusing. There have been a few things that have been surprising, as well. They aren't big surprises and some are a little funny. Anyway, here is the list:

Obvious though it is: The Irish and Americans don't speak the same language. Here are a few examples:

-Articulated Lorry

-He's something of an Anorak.

-Pressies (presents), Bickies (biscuits, or "cookies" in America)

-Naf Jumpers

-Lift

-Creche

How little room two cars need to pass on a country road.

...And how much room you can find on the side of the road when an Articulated Lorry is coming at you.

How easy it was to adjust to left-side driving (Karen disagrees on this one).

McDonald's tastes better over here.

How great Rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling are/is.

How much I miss being rural.

How excited I would be to find the "Magic Bullet."

That I would love Prawn Cocktail Sauce crisps (again, Karen is in total disagreement).

That U2 is not played all the time on the radio.

...And finally

That black pudding isn't what you think it is...

We are learning and watching. I'm sure there will be larger surprises.

Pictures!

2008-05-21T04:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the kind allowances of a new friend, I was able to put pictures up on Flickr last night. Thanks Gwen!

Stamullen & House
Beach/Playground
Malahide
Random

A New Home

2008-05-20T03:06:00.003-05:00

Hello from sweet, still Stamullen! It has been way too long since we last posted, so I wanted to give you a brief update while our kind neighbours let me use their internet!

On Friday we rented our first house in Ireland. It is in a nice, and rather large housing development (as are most houses around here) on the west side of the village. We are only about a 10-minute walk from the grocer, the butcher, and the salon stylist. :) I wish I could tell you all the ways God provided for us in these first few weeks here... it seems that starting life over in a new country actually requires a lot of work! But God was so faithful and within days we had a bank account, were able to purchase our first Irish car (a Skoda Octavia), and found a house. We are really growing fond of our little town!

Until we get internet in our house, I'll just post one picture for now...

The kids are doing great, and Jackson has already found quite a few playmates within a few feet of our house. Ella is her wild self, escaping our front door whenever possible, and when not getting carsick on the winding country roads, has been pleasant and healthy.

Matt & I are so grateful for our new home, though we do give in to occassional bouts of wistfulness thinking about all the times we have moved house, started over, and until now, have been able to do so quite easily in our home country. But as we drive through the hills, take our children to the ocean, worship with Irish believers, and meet new friends, we are reminded of God's goodness in inviting us to share this all with Him.

Please keep praying for us, particularly for Jackson (who is probably the most homesick). Until that pesky internet comes (two weeks?!?!), I'll sign off for now...

Much love to you all!

We're Here :: Our First Week

2008-05-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

We have settled in nicely to our temporary accommodations here in Ireland. After living my whole life in one country it is a strangle feeling to be foreign. Our main accomplishment has been getting a cell phone or mobile phone. We have gone out to look at houses to rent and a car to purchase. For renting a house and getting a bank account we need to have a PPS # which is similar to a Social Security number. We have been eager to get things done but some things simply take a long time to get done. Our main goal over the next month is to get our PPS # and a year long visa. Our hosts have been very gracious to us and have given us time to rest and get over jet lag. The village where we are living is beautiful and surrounded by hills.

Ella and Jack have adjusted to the time change well, much better than their parents. They are getting along well with the children here (aside from the random "row" from time to time – it is hard to describe to a 5-year-old boy that his playmates are from a different culture!). Our Irish hosts live on a farm, so we have all enjoyed wandering the grounds and playing in the WARM spring weather!

Please continue to pray for us as we work to get a resident alien visa (we will have to renew this every year). Also pray that we will navigate the various government agencies with patience and grace. We have discovered it is easy to get overwhelmed with "to-do" lists and with our very little understanding of day-to-day Irish life.

We hope to be able to post more frequently once we are in our own place. We aren't yet able to connect our own computer to the internet, so photos will have to wait. Thank you so much for the emails and notes of encouragement!

:: UPDATE ::
We finally found some broadband internet service and were able to download just a few pictures of our first week in Ireland. They can be found at: http://flickr.com/photos/mhuber. These pictures are mainly of the farm where we are staying - we will be living about 1 mile from here or so (Lord willing!).

Thank you for your continued prayers! We would appreciate it if you would lift us up tomorrow as we meet with an immigration officer for our registration cards (similar to a visa). This will allow us to stay in Ireland for one year (we have to reapply evey year).

God bless! (and Happy Mother's Day to my lovely American mom friends!)

Karen, Matt, Jack & Ella

Tomorrow is the day

2008-05-03T22:33:00.004-05:00

Hey Friends,

I've been wanting to post all week... about our time in Appleton, about the packing, about the goodbyes... and just don't know how to put into words.

So I'll leave you a few pictures and a request for prayers as we leave our home and our people and begin a new life in Ireland.

Jackson's Homies

2008-04-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

Here's a pic of Jackson and his two good buddies, Miles & Ryan, at Jackson's last night of Cubbies. Such a sweet photo... makes my heart hurt a little...

The saga of the crate begins...

2008-04-22T23:23:00.003-05:00

We didn't actually get to see them build the crate, but here are our belongings (those which will make Ireland feel like "home") that will hopefully meet us on the other side of the ocean... in about 6-8 weeks.

Counting down the days now...

2008-04-14T23:15:00.003-05:00

Hey friends... it's been a busy and slightly stressful week. I had a glaucoma scare... since we're leaving the country for awhile, we're busy getting to the doctor and making appointments. After three appointments with the eye doctor (one more left to go), it appears for now that I am at a "low risk" for glaucoma, even with my narrow angles (I know so much more about eye health than I did a week ago!). The appointment today involved lots of bright lights and a wee bit of anxiety, but the Lord was gracious to me and I stayed relatively calm, cool and collected. I go back in two weeks for some follow-up tests, but my doctor is positive, and so am I.

One week from today we will drive the small remainder of our earthly possessions to an international moving company warehouse, where they will be crated and travel by train and boat to Ireland (a process of about 6-8 weeks, apparently). I always figured that when we knew the date we were leaving for Ireland I would be able to pack up everything in like one day and head out... what a shock that I'm having a difficult time letting go of all these really unimportant things (we are actually paring down what little we own into what we can't take and what we can... a painful process in practice). So, your prayers are much appreciated... not just for us, but for our kids, too, who have so little practice in the art of saying goodbye...

And then, three weeks from today, our family will land in a new country for a new adventure. Still so much to do between now and then, but it's there in the very near future and I'm sure God's got a trick or two up His sleeve between now and then.

A week to remember...

2008-04-09T22:48:00.006-05:00

Something exciting happened this weekend, but I can't remember what it was...

Oh yeah: KU wins the national championship!!!

I'm sure you're thinking, "Karen, what took you so long? That was two days ago!" Well, after all the screaming, and the running around, and then the heart palpitations, the basketball hangover, and the driving around the city looking for championship gear, I have finally collected my thoughts in order to write rationally about the biggest thing to happen to Kansas (and Kansas City) in the last 20 years. (not to mention our last Final Four here in the States)

Here's the thing: when I was 9 years old I watched KU beat Oklahoma in the Championship game (played here in Kansas City). I went home (from my dad's house), looked at myself in the mirror, and said, "I am going to KU!" That was my dream: I was going to be a Jayhawk. And I was. I went to KU. And I hated it! I mean, really, really hated it. I was not at all prepared for state school life, especially KU/Lawrence life. It was my Dark Ages. My year of discontent.

The only light at the end of the long, dark KU tunnel was the basketball. Oh Scot Pollard! Jacque Vaughan! Raef! 1997 was their year... the best team ever, is what they said. And then, much like my KU experience, it went bust (we lost in the Sweet Sixteen that year). Not that my love for KU was dependent on basketball, but I realized that one cannot attend a school on basketball alone (unless one is 6'8" with a smooth fade-away).

I dropped out of KU after that first year. Despondent, I ran away to Moody, where of course, God had Matt waiting for me. Sometimes I think back and wish I could've loved KU for what it was, faults and all. I wish I had been braver, stronger, smarter... but if I had been all those things, there would be no Matt or Jack or Ella.

I can love KU now, on this end of things. There's the basketball, of course! And there's the great friends I have, KU students past and present. And perhaps I'll go back for my graduate degree in British Lit or Journalism (can I do that from Dublin?). Who knows? But for now, I bask in the glow of my state, my school, and a part of my history. I am a member of the #1-in-the-nation's extended family.

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, GO KU!

Pathways

2008-04-03T22:30:00.006-05:00

Matt's aunt is recovering from breast cancer surgery this week. Her husband and children have been kind enough to have a website where they can post updates on her condition, recovery and words of wisdom. Uncle Tim posted this today and we thought we'd like to share it with you:

Last December I was reading my Psalm for the day, which on that day, December 29th, turned out to be Psalm 77. I really have no idea how many times in my life that I have read that Psalm . . . many actually because for years I have been reading through the Book of Psalm twice a year. But that day the last two verses, 19 & 20 really jumped out at me. I was reading from the New Living Translation . . . "Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters - a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds."

I've heard and read the story of Israel crossing the Red Sea more times than I have read Psalm 77, so it was all very familiar. I realized that God knew that at the bottom of the Red Sea a "road" for the Israelites to travel was just waiting to be uncovered. I wrote in the margin of my Bible, "Pathways . . . roads in our lives that feel and appear to be impssible. But like Israel God will lead us!" Being a preacher that led to a sermon title . . . "God Knows The Road!" God knew that at the bottom of the Red Sea, of all places, a road already existed which He would uncover at just the right time. It was a pathway that no one else knew was there . . . but He did.

We had no idea in December that a February mammogram would reveal cancer - but God did and He has uncovered a pathway for us to travel, one he has known was there all along. Like Israel he is protecting and guiding and providing for us all along the way.

So let me encourage you that God knows your circumstances . . . and he also knows the road at the bottom of the "Red Sea" that seems to loom in front of you.

If you think of it, pray for Aunt Mary today. And also, commit to the Lord that pathway you may find yourself on, the one at the bottom of the Sea... the one that seems impossible.

Goodbyes begin...

2008-03-31T12:33:00.006-05:00

I said good-bye to my grandma last night. A week-long goodbye actually, to cover the unknown amount of separation. I haven't cried yet, but it pierced my heart a bit to see tears in her eyes as she said goodbye to the child we gave her name: Eleanor.

So I am learning what it means to say goodbye well. No judging, no fighting (easier said than done), lots of hugs and backward glances, the "I love you" I forgot to say in person, but the "thank you" I tried to say everyday.

The goodbyes will come fast and furious now. We joyfully (and fearfully) purchased our plane tickets. We will land in Dublin on Monday morning, May 5th. Praise be to God!

Missions Moments by Matt : Pre-field Summary

2008-03-21T10:09:00.005-05:00

Growing up in Wisconsin, I was raised not to like Illinois. After living in Chicago for 7 years, I grew to like it. However, I think that Illinois is still harboring some ill feelings.

We left for pre-field training at the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) on February 11 (Jack’s Birthday). We were hoping to make the nearly 7 hr drive to Paducah, Ky. Driving through Missouri and southern Illinois we hit a nasty ice storm. We ended up driving nearly 10 hours but we were still 40 miles from Paducah. On the return trip we left our hotel in western Kentucky and drove through torential thunderstorms, again in southern Illinois, until we got half way through Missouri. Despite nature's fury, God brought us safely to and from North Carolina.

From the first day at CIT we were blessed daily by the teaching of our instructors. Over the 4 weeks we covered many topics: contextualization, Cultural Analysis and Ethnography, Worldview, World Religious Systems and Epistomology (to name just a few). We also were led through a spiritual growth study called Heart of the Missionary. The whole course was very challenging but a true blessing. Our advisor and one of our instructors, Diane, served in Eastern Europe with GEM. She encouraged us and gave us guidance about serving in Europe. We struggled through illness, late night studying, and sleepless children. But the training gave us the tools necessary to adjust to a different culture and begin to serve in Ireland.

We were also blessed by the other missionaries who were there for the training. We made some great friends. God is sending some great people to serve on the field.

On our return trip we were able to visit my Aunt Mary and Uncle Tim, cousin Sally and her family and GEM co-workers all in Alabama.

Now we are back home, trying to decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to take to Ireland for at least the next 2 years... we would really appreciate your prayers as we struggle with some tough decisions and adjustments in the next month.

It's time...

2008-03-13T16:17:00.005-05:00

Pre-field training is over... and we are so sad to leave.

Thank you for praying us here.

Homework : Culture Theory

2008-03-04T18:40:00.003-06:00

TO SEE GOD IN CULTURE. Before my arrival, He has been there, shaping the traditions and the beliefs and the people. He works in it so that they may know Him. I am there as His ambassador, to recognize Him there, and to point to Him as the source of all that is beautiful and true. I am there so that they may see Christ in me, and yet, that I am also one of them.

In some respects, I didn’t really know what culture was before I came to CIT. I knew and loved the Irish people, but did I really know and love the culture? For the foreseeable future, I will be a student of Irish culture. My ministry will be significantly impacted in how seriously I take that mission, and in how much value I place in the people and their culture.

I believe, if definitions must be used, that I have a “high” view of culture. Of course, that’s easy for me to say from my comfy little environment in rural America. But this is a new culture for me, too, and I have seen God all around here in these last two weeks. Grace has been lavishly given to us, by people who do not know us and who perhaps do not know the Lord. Rutherfordton is a very, very friendly place and Christ was the first true friend.

Paul Heibert says, “Each [culture] brings to light certain features of the gospel that have remained less visible or even hidden in other cultures.” Spending most of my life in large cities, I can say with certainty that being a friend of strangers (or sinners) does not come naturally among fast-paced urbanites. This is just one example of how rural North Carolina culture (subculture?) “brings to light” an aspect of the gospel I forget to see. And it is one example of my high view of culture.

God can and does reveal Himself in new ways through culture. I am immensely excited to meet God in Ireland and see His work among His people there. We are fortunate that there is a community of Christ followers already there, who bring to life His attributes among their countrymen. But I dare say that even in a culture that has not yet seen any light of the Gospel, God is there, too… even if hidden among nature and shared mythology.

I believe there is a God-shaped hole. I am moved to disagree with Mars Hill Seminary in their stance that “every culture attempts to flee God…” Maybe I’m naïve, or maybe it’s hope, but I believe it’s actually Him they are trying to find. We try and we fail, and in His place we substitute false gods and claims of agnosticism. If every culture is trying to flee from God, there would be no need to replace Him.

On the other hand, I do agree with Mars Hill that a “joyful participation in a culture’s glory and honest engagement in its darkness” is necessary to penetrate the souls of the lost with the teachings of Christ. I anticipate that joyful participation even now, as I look to a future of céilís (traditional Irish dances), community meetings (and the occasional Bible study) in our local pub, and watching my children’s schoolmates as they take that first mature Irish rite of passage: first communion. Honest engagement requires me to talk to their parents about the history of this tradition, what first communion means to them, and listening to their ideas on God and their knowledge of a relationship with Him. Having a high view of culture moves me to temper that optimism with honesty and discernment.

Joyful, honest, scary, hopeful… all equal terms in my heart and in my head as I anxiously anticipate diving head first into Irish culture. God will be found there. {KJH}