Our family is excited to share our journey of working to position our lives to serve God by helping those in need. We'll try to briefly offer a bit of background first. Once we're caught up, we'll share our journey along the way! (please note, we have no experience in blogging, we'll do our best!)
How did we decide to become Missionaries? This is not a short answer! Many prayers, years and people have influenced our journey! We'll summarize as best we can!
Shortly before graduating from college, Jacob and I began looking into Peace Corps. During the application process we learned we needed to move up our wedding by a year in order to be placed overseas together. Both Jake and I can be stubborn at times and yes, this was one of those times. We knew we were getting married but we weren't changing the timing due to a technicality. About the same time, Park Bank offered me a wonderful opportunity which I have enjoyed for the past 10.5 years! Seven years ago, God blessed us with our first daughter, Lilyanna.
We began getting involved in play groups and o. ther activities. Balancing being a mom, wife and professional became a career in itself! Over the years we volunteered in a various ways and always wanted to find more time to offer our services to others. Two years ago we were blessed with another beautiful gift from God, Josephine (Josie). My wonderful husband made it possible for me to work full time, volunteer as the Mops Coordinator, soccer coach and co-lead a daisy troop and be a mommy. Our family enjoys being involved and helping others. A few years ago I attended Christian Experience Weekend, this experience was amazing in so many ways and on so many different levels. Jacob also attended the Christian Experience Weekend for men and he too had an amazing experience!
This past year, Jacob participated in RCIA and received the sacrament of Baptism as well as Confirmation and joining of the Catholic Church! I am so proud and happy for Jake! His faith journey is eye opening and beautiful to be part of! (for the record, I never asked Jacob to go through RCIA:) I ask for things like chocolate ice-cream:)
Jacob and I began researching short term mission trips and really quickly realized that was not our
calling. Jacob asked me why we don't just go and help others full-time. My response was simple, my bag is packed sweetie. That night, Jacob began applying on our families behalf to various Catholic
Lay Mission Prorgrams. To my surprise, someone wanted to talk to us so now I had to fill out some information about myself. In May we were invited to LaGrange Park, IL where we would meet the
Comboni Lay Mission family (well, a few of them anyway!). This weekend is referred to as Discernment Weekend. By the time we were only a few hours into it, Jacob and I knew Paul & JoAnne would be amazing to work with and the Comboni Fathers are wonderful and have a lot of knowledge to share. It was in mid-July which we received our formal invitation from the Comboni
Lay Missionaries to begin formation training with them this fall! It has been through our prayers and the support and prayers we receive from family and friends in which we were able to follow our calling, to serve and share with others the love we have for Jesus.
In late July we moved in with my parents (Veek's) as we have a wonderful family taking care of our house for us while we are overseas. Living with five adults and two children has been an adventure! We have all greatly enjoyed the mornings of laughter and spending extra time together each evening! In a few short weeks we will move to LaGrange, IL where we will spend the next 14 weeks in formation training with the Comboni Lay Missionaries.
Basically we began downsizing and getting rid of our belongings in early 2012. Over the past few months we've focused on details such as our home, vehicles, homeschool programs, child care for jojo during formation...and the list goes on. Thank you for being cool with us as this blog is long overdue! We ask for your prayers and support as we continue to prepare for our journey as a family of missionaries:) stay tuned! Jake and I will both work to update this blog.
Love and peace, God bless!
Tonya
