Jason's thoughts on Gina going to Bosnia

Gina leaves for Bosnia in less than two weeks. This is the first time Gina will be out of the country without me, and the longest she’s ever been away from home without me. In the last three years, I’ve spent a combined two months out of the country...without Gina. I certainly didn’t take leaving Gina at home alone lightly, but it’s definitely different being on the other side. When you’re the one going, you're focused so much more on the planning and excitement of the trip (and maybe even some of the apprehensions). When you’re the one staying, you don’t have those distractions. There’s definitely a feeling of loneliness. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely missed Gina when I was away, and there were certainly times when I felt incredibly lonely, but I think the one staying feels it the most.

So back to Gina and Bosnia. She’s going with three people from our church, North Point Community Church, to teach English. They’ve done a lot of preparation work; way more they I did on my trip to Bosnia last year. I know they are going to do a great job and will be an amazing treat for a small town in Bosnia. They’ll be there for 9 days. Copper (our 90-lbs ‘coon dog) and I are going to miss her, but we’re so proud of her and the heart she has for people in need.

I want to say a special thanks to all those how have supported Gina through prayers and money. This is the third time in less than a year that one or both of us has had an opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip. We’ve raised money for each trip, and each time our financial needs were met. We were nervous about this trip though, knowing most of our family and friends had given to our earlier trips. Amazingly, we got the money for this trip faster than our did for our prior trips.

I’ll try to post a couple of trip updates while she’s there, so check back June 11 through 19.

Jason