Manila - A Dad's Perspective 2

Well, Kev's been "out of communication" range for almost a week now. Another week to go before being able to find out what's going on. I was up late one night a couple of days before he left for the camp. It was nice to get to "IM" with him for awhile just by myself. Usually the whole family is standing around the computer waiting their turn to talk or IM with him.

We "talked" about everything for about an hour...politics, church, Filipino's, food, people...it was good. He was excited about heading to the camp and maybe a little "anxious" too. I can't wait to hear what he's doing and how he's fitting in to what God wants him to do.

My nerves about him being on the other side of the world have been reduced somewhat. You know, we get busy with our lives and fill the void. I've really submerged myself in working on our church website. Yet, I find myself saying all the time, "I wish I could have Kevin look at this," or "geez, I need Kevin to show me how to do this." Can't wait to IM him when he gets back to civilization...:)

Gone to Manila - A dad's perspective

It has been only about a 1 1/2 weeks since Kevin left for the Philippines and for some strange reason it seems longer. Maybe it's because I'm the only guy (again) in a house full of ladies...:)

Back in August when Kevin told his mom & I that he was going on a mission trip with Ben to the Philippines I must say we really didn't want him to go. Mom was really against it, ya know the dangers, leaving the country, leaving school, etc. Of course me being me, I worried more about the cost, why now and not summer, why a full 3 months instead of a summer trip...

It wasn't too long before God started working on my heart...you see Kevin is the absolute opposite of me in many ways. So much so that I'm many times envious of him. He's not afraid to try anything. He makes friends easily. He's outgoing. He's not afraid to fail. He's not afraid to succeed. He doesn't worry.

So my heart and gut softened to the idea. Now the worries about the cost, travel, safety, etc. didn't leave, but I started becoming excited for him. I've never seen him want something so much as to go on this trip.

As I sat down by myself at the airport at KCI on Jan. 6, I watched him from a distance. Here was my boy who I've wrestled with, played ping-pong with, went to soccer games with, taught in Awana with, etc., for 21 years...and here he is doing exactly what God wants him to do...wow, as a dad I really felt good right then.

My eyes welled up a little bit as we watched the plane take off and head off into the early morning sky. I just said a very short prayer..."He's yours Lord. Use him."

More "dad" thoughts to come...