The Unexpected Journey
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
“I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true” Luke 1:38
“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:28-31
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives, Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘what will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:31-34
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7
Rachel says
If you write a book about your family’s journey some day, I would LOVE to read it. Marillyn, you are truly an inspiration to me. I always think, If Marillyn can do this, so can I! And I was only living in a city, in China! And now in Australia (for the time being only though we hope). You’ve answered some questions and really helped us with our help while living overseas. I really thank God for you.
I do pray for strength for you and your family. I think of the amazing life lessons your littles are getting and I’m so jealous! I just want to say thanks for putting yourself out there in a post like this and thanks for sharing your kitchen with everyone!
Melwells says
Mare,
thanks for sharing this and for sharing it today!
All things arrive at the perfect time.
Much love to all of you from Costa Rica!
Melanie
Anonymous says
My beautiful daughter!! You are an amazing young woman of God. I am so blessed by your testimony. I have also learned from you to embrace my crazy life. I struggle with a desire for comfort but as I cast it off and embrace what God has chosen for me…life becomes a grand adventure. I love you and am so proud of you!! Your Mommo Brooke
turq4 says
I found an exhortation in your words that you probably didn’t even intend, but your lifestyle resounds the message loud and clear: live simply to live fully in Him.
Thank you for sharing.
Diana says
Mare, I’m just now reading this. I had no idea you already posted this. It was such a blessing to read and it’s been amazing watching God work in you over the past few years. Goodness, he’s so faithful! xoxo!! Diana
Artistta says
This was wonderful to read. You are a true woman of God and that it didn’t all come easily only shows you are human. In the end though you overcame. A true encouragement.
Our growing family says
Hello!
I just stumbled upon your blog today and I love it! =) I think we would be great friends if we lived closer! We have a lot in common!
-I’m a visual learner, so I never learned a foreign language easily…I ended up soaking up ASL and interpreted at christian deaf retreats and other fun things! I’m pretty rusty with it now though, but I still can get by 😉
-We eat a whole foods diet that sounds just like yours!
-I had the privilage of having Kim Meeder come to the woman’s retreat I helped put together as the main speaker…she is amazing, isn’t she! I can’t wait for her to come out with more books! They always make me cry…and laugh!
-Our family is going on a mission trip to Mexico on THURSDAY!!! (AHH!!) and I am trying to do as much as I can to keep our normal diet: bringing fermented foods, probiotics, FCLO/Vit.butter blend,
soaked/dehy nuts, etc!! Most people think I’m crazy, but it has been a wonderful challenge!
I would love to get to know you more and I can’t wait to come back and visit your blog-I’ll be sure to spread the word!
Feel free to visit our trip blog:
SpringBreakMexicoMission.blogspot.com
My girlfriend and I blog food at:
WellFedHomestead.com
Jamie Lineburg says
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us! Praise be to God and His Son for never giving up on us and for ALWAYS drawing us closer to Him and His will for our lives!
Blessings to you and your family!
Raising Isabella says
This is so encouraging, Mare. My husband and I spent a year overseas doing mission work in Asia before our first daughter was born. Now, we are living in the U.S. as my husband is pursuing a degree at seminary and I’m expecting our second child.
It was so much harder than I could ever have imagined. Coming back turned out to be just as difficult.
I think I had all these visions of being a hero and living this exotic foreign life heading over there, and what I really found out what how weak and self-centered I was. I grew so much.
Someday, we want to go back, but it will be much harder the second time, knowing how hard it can be to leave family and go somewhere foreign.
Also, my faith walk has taken a huge hit these past few years, and I’m not quite ready to minister again yet. I pray that God will restore that faith, though.
Thank you so much for your refreshing honesty and hope!
a ragamuffin princess says
What a beautiful journey. From a Deaf mama/missionary to another Deaf mama/missionary, you have blessed me. Be blessed, and may you receive joy to the fullest.