Even though the last time we posted a blog was two years ago, that is where this next adventure began for this Sterkenburg family. Let me backtrack a bit...
It was the first day of our pursuit internship in Medicine Hat AB, and it was all about introductions and how we ended up there. A lady had mentioned a kids camp called Eagles Nest Ranch. A friend of mine had mentioned it before, so I was interested. Later that day I found out her and her husband had founded the camp and she mentioned they needed directors. My spirit did a little leap...On the drive home I mentioned it to Matt and then stored it someplace in the back of my brain. It wasn't until our time in the Philippines that ENR came up again. We were often sharing trikes and sitting in Jolly Bees with the lady I had mentioned earlier. I think all three of us were getting excited as we listened to some of the testimonies and talked about the future of the camp. I'll be honest, by this time I was looking forward to being in my own home again, and the thought of moving made me want to cry. Of course doing Gods will is more important and I started seeking out what the next "big" thing was for our family. All I heard at the time was "two years". So I stored it, and after our missions stint we went home! We had been in contact with the founders off and on, and that November when we went back to Medicine Hat for the pursuit conference they took us out for a tour of the camp. At one point I was alone by the fire pit and God said "someday this will be home". Again I stored it. I didn't really want to pursue something I wasn't up for at that point. We were thinking about expanding our family and the last thing I felt like doing was uprooting it. We did however continue to talk about it and whenever we spoke to trusted friends and family about it, there was a reoccurring theme that we needed to have peace before the timing would be right. I didn't have peace, but I also did not want to squelch plans that God has for us. So we kept in contact with the camp and with the board. Still the thought of leaving the home we built, our friends and family was enough to leave me a mess for a while. Around the time our second son was born we felt we needed to tell them we were lacking peace and the timing just didn't feel right. We were not saying no...just not yet.
In the spring we were asked to help with a week of camp that was being held out at ENR. We accepted with expectations that we would know by the end of the week if this was the direction our family was to take. I realized I still did not have peace, but I had this light bulb moment...I should ask for it. So I started asking for a peace that passes all understanding. When I started to feel some, I even dared to pray that I would start to have excitement if this was Gods leading for our family. In the end, the week of camp was cancelled due to not enough registrations. So now what Lord? Do we stay home and work on the house we need to finish? Or do we still make the ten hour drive down, visit friends and family and hopefully meet with some of the board from ENR. We decided to go. It was a beautiful week of visiting and God moments. We were leaving Sunday afternoon, and that morning we had a meeting with a few of the board members. It went very well. As we got in the van the whirlwind I had been feeling for months was gaining speed. I knew Matt was ready to pack up and move to ENR to take the position...he was just waiting for me. I sat in the back and I cried. I cried thinking about saying goodbye to family and friends. I cried thinking about the house we have been building for the past four years that I may never see the way I had visioned it. I cried thinking about taking my kids away from everything they have ever known. I was even a bit mad. Then Holy Spirit gently said "just give your yes and you will feel better". It took a while, but I very quietly under my breath so only Jesus and I could hear it said… "yes".
And so it began. The peace that He had started in me increased and so did the excitement. I went through a bit of a mourning process...and still am, but I know this is the next adventure our family is going on. Someone full of wisdom told me that a house is only a house and it could all be gone tomorrow. Living for Jesus is worth more then our "stuff" here on earth where moths and rust destroy. I want the heavenly treasures...the real stuff. I want to see kids lives changed and watch them become crazy on fire for Jesus.
So here we are in a season of transition. Matt gave his notice at his job, we have been blessed with renters for our unfinished house for the next year. I have been purging, organizing and prepping to pack. We have also been working on support letter/card since we will be raising our own finances. The plan is to move beginning of November. Please pray for our family in this season change. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about supporting us financially you can e-mail us at: mcsterk@eaglesnestranch.ca
