It has always been one of our goals that our family blog be an accurate representation of our life and ministry. Or, at least, a mostly accurate representation.1 In a culture dominated by filtered selfies and too-good-to-be-true social media pages, we feel that there is a need for more transparency in our public discourse, and we have tried to fill that void with our occasional smatterings of family news.
We air our difficulties along with our successes, in the hope that when people read about some of the different things we are engaged in, they will be able to relate with our family in some of our various trials and triumphs. Ideally, in the sharing of our experiences and perspectives over these last years, you, the reader, have come to see us not as “Seth and Rochelle – the missionaries,” but as “Seth and Rochelle – the fallible Christians who try to live their lives purposefully, to the best of their abilities.”
Those who have followed our blog for a while know that we have had some genuinely fun experiences with the Iski people, as well as a few not-so-enjoyable times. God has been growing us through these experiences, and I believe he has been using us in the lives of others in the process. And, as is old news by now, He is currently leading us down a different path than we had originally been planning on.
This repatriation2experience, like all other things, is turning out to be a mixed bag. There are aspects that we are genuinely excited about, like living alongside our family and friends again and having access to amazing food, and there are things that are hard to swallow, like stepping out of the mission community and away from our amazing peers.
One of the other components of this transition that is beginning to stand out to us is the cost of the whole thing. It turns out that getting a family of five out of the jungle and set-up in the States isn’t accomplished using pocket change. Restarting one’s life in the first world, after living off-grid for six years in an undeveloped country, is not the simplest of endeavors.
For those who might be interested in a more detailed run-down of some of these upcoming expenses, here is a breakdown of some of the bigger-ticket items that we are seeing on our horizon in the next 4-5 months:
- Plane tickets – This one is somewhat self-explanatory. These constitute “step 1” of our repatriation journey. They will cost around $7,000 USD.
- A vehicle – We aren’t looking for anything fancy, but since this is more than just a Home Assignment vehicle, we ARE looking to get something reliable. We want to get a mid-size SUV, as we tend to need cargo space and will be in the snowy Northeast travelling country roads. We are expecting this to cost us around $6,000 USD.
- Beds for the boys – We have a house available to us (praise God!), but we have invested very little into any of its furnishings. Rochelle and I can get by with what’s there, but we’d like to get the boys equipped with a nice bedroom set-up, to help the transition be a positive experience for them. We are expecting three beds + 3 mattresses to run around $1,000 USD.
- Miscellaneous household items – Per request, here is a link to an Amazon wish-list of a few of the items we are planning on purchasing for our home.
If helping us facilitate this transition is something that your church, or small group, or you as an individual would like to contribute towards, you can click here. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us directly. And, as always, we would very much appreciate your prayers as we continue to move forward in this new direction in our ministry.
I have a griddle like that in perfect condition which I never use. You are welcome to have it! I picked it up at a yard sale several years ago for $1.00🤗. I often pick up things of value even if I don’t necessarily need them because someone will eventually!
I think you could probably make do with a 5-cu-ft freezer, like the one I have. Price Chopper usually sells them for about $150 in February, and gives you $150 in free food coupons. Also, you can have my dehydrator if you want, to make fruit leather and dried tomatoes.
Thank you for your idea, Aunt Mary. It looks like our freezer situation has been handled, so we have taken that need off the list. I believe we already have a food dehydrator at the house, but it is good to know yours is available. Thanks!
The dehydrator in the cellar at the blue house was mine. 😉
Thanks for sharing what God is doing and details for how we can pray and help. God has used you and your family more than you will ever know. Not only to those you shared HIS love with among the Iski people but also to others who have been following the journey. And He is preparing you for what HE has in store for this next adventure. HE is FAITHFUL and HE WILL PROVIDE! Keeping your eyes and focus on Him, will help you to finish well. Would love to connect once you are back in North America.
Love you guys, Becky and the crew in the NWO bush
Thanks for your kind words, Becky. No question, God is faithful. Yes, we would love to connect with you guys again sometime! We will have to see what we can work out after things settle down a little again. We love you and your awesome Fam!
Seth & Rochelle, it is fabulous to read your blog! Praying for your transition and what God is asking each of us to give, alongside prayer❤️ One of my daughters helps me stay connected (she reads your blog and updates me- you are touching more people than you will ever know). Thank you 💫
Thanks for this latest update. . .very good, as always! I love the pic of your boys with their Iski friends. They will not forget each other. Christopher still fondly remembers his village friends in Katufra! I did the same thing as your mom did (above): I clicked on all the underlined green words and enjoyed rereading all those different blogs of your PNG experiences. So good, and I agree–it was refreshing to see all the good times AND the more difficult experiences! (Sometimes missionaries just write about all the favorable personal and ministry news). I was especially moved to reread the Iski’s first responses to faith in Christ. I pray that they will continue to grow in understanding and love for our Lord, as he works in them to become more like him daily. I also hope we’ll continue to get updates and blogs as you continue to follow God’s plan for your family. I pray that he’ll lead you clearly and provide all your needs, as you rely on him. <3
I was curious what would happen if I tapped on the underlined green words and it was very moving to read again some of your other blogs and go down memory lane with you. I hope that in your new move you continue to bring us along in your journey of life in this blog. The reality of life and its joys and sorrows and the peace that passes all understanding through a life with Christ, this is a blessing to see in your lives. Keep running the race. ❤️ Mom