It feels a little crazy to put into words, but Jesh and I are writing with the news that our family will be shifting locations as of September 18, 2019. Our desire and vision to use surgery to share the compassionate love of Christ remains unchanged, and we will be moving to Hospital of Hope in Mango, Togo.
This decision has come with much prayer and the seeking of outside counsel, and while it all came together rather swiftly, we are thankful to be moving forward with incredible peace that speaks to His great care for us as we enter another season of transition.
We have attempted to explain a little more in the following paragraphs!
The History
For Jesh and I, our heart for Burundi has taken shape slowly over the last 16 years, since I first came out in 2003. Since then, we have both come back numerous times, and we have watched in amazement as God brought things together for us to come here, with long-term intentions, starting last summer. Our goal has always been to stay here much longer then just the 2 year Post Residency Program we are currently in through Samaritan’s Purse.
However, through a series of events, and along with our Samaritan’s Purse Post-Residency Program, we began to consider another opportunity to serve alongside a very busy surgeon at a ‘young’ hospital in Mango, Togo, called Hospital of Hope.
This shift in plans has come quick, and yet we have seen God’s hand and felt His peace as we have thought of what a trans-continental move might look like for our family. A visiting surgeon said to me this year that his best piece of advice to new medical missionaries would be “hold your plans loosely,” and this is exactly the posture we found ourselves in as we considered a move of this magnitude.
Ultimately, this new location continues to fulfill our desire to serve the poor and use surgery to share the compassionate love of Christ. We have decided to embrace the adventure He has brought us on and make the transfer to this new country.
Ultimately, this new location continues to fulfill our desire to serve the poor and use surgery to share the compassionate love of Christ. We have decided to embrace the adventure He has brought us on and make the transfer to this new country.
So, where’s this new place?
Samaritan’s Purse is partnering with us to go to Hospital of Hope in Mango, Togo. When they first suggested this site, we had no idea where it was even located! The hospital is far north, and we will be exposed to many religions and unreached people groups, from both Togo and the surrounding countries. It will be exciting to share the love of Christ in this context!
The biggest challenge that we have heard of thus far is the climate. It’s ridiculously hot (thankfully dry heat!), with the “cool” season comprised of a mere 27º C, and the hotter season getting up to 48º C. Needless to say, we were all relieved to hear our new home is beside a swimming pool – albeit, in those temperatures I can’t imagine it’ll feel all that refreshing! But the idea sure has helped our children get excited about this move.
The Future
We have no idea if this next year will mean a long-term commitment in Mango, Togo. For now we will simply be taking the step to finish our 2 year Post-Residency Program with Samaritan’s Purse at this location and consider where it may lead beyond that. In the meantime, we hope and pray that this next season will bring Him glory, and allow those who are journeying with us to learn and grow as well. And who knows, perhaps Togo will be a great fit for our future!
We have no idea if this next year will mean a long-term commitment in Mango, Togo. For now we will simply be taking the step to finish our 2 year Post-Residency Program with Samaritan’s Purse at this location and consider where it may lead beyond that. In the meantime, we hope and pray that this next season will bring Him glory, and allow those who are journeying with us to learn and grow as well. And who knows, perhaps Togo will be a great fit for our future!
In Transition (AGAIN!)
In the meantime, as always, we value your prayers. The children are handling the transition amazingly well - thank you Lord for their adventurous spirits! Seija said “I’m glad we’re moving, cause I like it here but I want to see the world!” But still, they are leaving some really good friends behind, not to mention bucketfulls of lego;)
Jesh has been really sad to leave his staff at the hospital. He has built great relationships with the team he was put in charge of leading. Our Burundian friends prepared an evening of apprecaition, and showered us with heartfelt words seasoned with grace and encouragement. We will miss them all greatly, and look forward to continuing to see how God leads them to bring change to their country, for His glory.
We will continue to share stories of how God is using our family and Jesh’s surgical skills in this new environment. We are so grateful to be continuing this journey together.
Until Togo,
Julie, Jesh, Kaden, Seija and Kai
