A Heavy Sigh

We've only been blogging for a few months now so I don't want to make this sound melodramatic but I feel certain that this is the hardest post I've ever had to write. The name of this blog is "The Sexton Crew in Haiti" and the purpose as you can read above was to track our progress as we move toward mission work in Haiti.

I've typed ten different segues into this and they were all stupid so here it is plain and simple. We are not going to Haiti.

Confused? So are we. Disappointed? Yeah, us too. Wondering why God brought us through this whole process including selling our house? Well, then we're in good company. Still believe that He is totally in control and working things for our best? Even in the midst of some sadness over what isn't to be...so do we!

We want to make a few things absolutely clear about this situation.

1. We have not had a "falling out" with the Livesay family. Far from it! They are the top of the list of things that currently turn me into a blubbering puddle of tears. We love Troy and Tara and all their youngun's (Tara loves that word ;-)) and not getting to join them is the hardest part to let go of.

2. The work being done in Haiti is good work and it is much needed. Our love for and desire to see Christ work in the Haitian people has not waned. Troy and Tara's work in LaDigue is vital and they are amazing in it!

What happened? The short version: God changed our plans. The longer version: The more we researched and got to know the organization we were going with the more we felt that our family and ministry styles did not line up. There were a few red flags (well, maybe yellow flags) in the beginning but we felt strongly that we were to move forward until He gave us a clear answer. We tried to be faithful in our part and He was certainly faithful in His.

So, here we are. Take Haiti out of the equation and you're left with just "The Sexton Crew." Is that enough to hold your attention? If not, that's okay. We are grateful for all of our readers, lurkers, and stalkers. We are thankful for your support and prayers and quite frankly, we still need them. And after weighing our options regarding the blog and with the encouragement of some friends who are obviously lacking entertainment options, we've decided to keep the blog up. After all, we live in a barn and that in and of itself has given me tons of material.

We have no idea what our next step will be. But as we said in a letter sent to those who had planned on supporting us financially; we believe "God has set us on a path toward greater service, greater faith, and an even greater desire to seek His face". The path hasn't changed only the scenery. (Thanks for those words, Wheezy!)

We will need to change the name of the blog soon but I'll leave it be for those who only get to check in every few days. Thank you all again for taking this journey with us. Stay tuned for life in the barn. =)