The Lighthouse at the End of Nomad's Land

"My Lighthouse,
My Lighthouse
Shining in the darkness,
I will follow You.
My Lighthouse,
My Lighthouse;
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore."

These lyrics have been a staple in our home, both during our final days in "our Canada house" as Nicholas calls it, and then again during these initial months of transition and observation here in this little coral colored rental in Italy. I remember every time it would come around in a playlist it would stop me in my tracks, draw me in, infuse me with its truth. Once was never enough, I would inevitably be drawn to hit repeat and allow myself to be reminded, strengthened, re-enforced. It brought joy, faith, a renewed anticipation in a way. In hindsight I can see how it was another one of those "Wait for it...." post it notes from God.

I am not a liar. But I don't always tell both sides of the story. This blog is a place for me to record the amazing Red Sea, manna and quail stories. Facebook is a place where I really enjoy posting pictures of our "recharge" day. The weekly day off we are committed to unplugging and retreating as a family, away from our tiny apartment, away from our dirty, noisy, busy street. Somewhere peaceful, restful, beautiful. I love to capture these places and experiences in photo, and share their beauty with people back home.

But what this blog and facebook don't show are are the sights or sounds or emotions of the other 6 days of our week. The day in and day out wandering in the desert of Nomad's land on our way to the place He has picked out.   It can not portray the fog that has been our constant companion as we continue to drift while persevering in trust that His hand in on the rudder. You trust that God has a shore in mind, you believe in the light of His towering, rock solid, guiding beacon. You keep telling yourself over and over, it's there... it's coming... watch for it. Your eyes get blurry as you keep straining to catch sight of it.

And then one day BOOM. It almost blinds you as it swings into sight and you sit wholly bathed in its blazing clarity.

The Lighthouse. How many times have we sung it, clinging to the truth of it. So why on earth would my heart race fit to bursting at the realization that He has brought our boat to shore at the foot of  Il Faro: The Lighthouse in Naples. I love to tell the story, I love to give Him glory...but the truth is that the more we learn to lean in and allow ourselves to be carried along in the current of His plot,  the more often we find ourselves sitting speechless and stunned by the intricacies of His sovereign penmanship. Why we would be surprised anymore continues to amaze me, but in a way I think He delights in stunning us. Yes, I do believe He delights in setting off fireworks that light up our darkness with the brilliance of His glory.

The mission of Il Faro is to develop mature and united disciples to reach Naples and the world for Jesus. Their desire is to see growing missional communities planted and growing, branching and multiplying in the region of Naples and beyond. Truly a body of believers that has a clear mission and a strategic vision to do their part in fulfilling the great commission. This requires small groups to be united in vision and purpose to missionally engage with their neighborhoods. This small group discipleship is exactly what God began laying on our heart for ministry over a year ago, and at Il Faro we have the chance to jump in and do just that.

We are so excited to have found the "team" with the like minded vision and mission that we have been praying for. We are acutely aware of what a phenomenal sending church, supporters and agency we are blessed with, truly equipping, releasing, guarding and supporting us. We are so thankful for all the prayers and the Sovereign Hand that have brought our boat safe to shore at the foot of The Lighthouse at the end of Nomad's Land.