This morning my wife and I rolled out of bed, half awake and groggy. We got in the car and headed out to see my brother and his family off as they head to Japan. It was a mixture of feelings. I sit here with so many tasks and I just can’t help but feel so many emotions. I love my brother, his wife and their children. Seeing him leave is difficult. I have taken him being back in the States for granted, I know that. Drew has always been so incredibly helpful, fixing everything from cars to broken cables for Hannah and I. He has such a huge heart and his family is so sweet.

Drew is accepting the task to reach out to a hurting nation. The need in Japan is great, so many are hurting and have never heard the good news of the gospel. I am so encouraged to see Drew take this call seriously and give his life to the mission.

I am resolving to not mourn, rather to celebrate. I want to take every moment of sadness and use that as a reminder to pray. That doesn’t mean I’m not bummed I won’t get to meet my soon-to-be born nephew for almost a year, no not at all. It means that I don’t want to be selfish. I want to cultivate a heart that is eager to send away friends, and brothers to fulfill the gospel call.

Read about Drew and his efforts in Japan here. Join me in praying for them as they travel and as they endeavor to reach the nation of Japan.