Dazed but not confused

The past two weeks have been an absolute blur. If you have ever moved away for an extended period of time, you know what being in the blur feels like. It is not just the rush of getting all the last minute items together while saying final "goodbyes," there is also the rush of trying to get situated once you arrive. Since we have returned, I have preached three times, gone on a 15hr youth fellowship conference, had my computer crash, and much more. Days had been running together, but now that we have been back in Buff Bay for a week, things are beginning to slow down, and life is returning to a more normal pace.

Our flight down was easy with no serious delays, and Trevor handled traveling like a champ (he may possibly be a future Amazing Race contestant). (See below for video of Trevor's first take-off - he was much more concerned for the bottle.) The day was long, but it was nice to sleep in our house in Buff Bay again, especially because it was so nice and clean thanks to several dear women of the church who wanted to bless us and clean up before our arrival! The weekend was full of unpacking and reconnecting with our church family. On Monday, the Youth Fellowship had their annual Youth Conference, which was a great day in which God's word was preached and the young people reconnected with camp friends from other churches. The rest of the week has been spent trying to reorient ourselves and prepare for getting back to work.

Trevor certainly adds a new wrinkle to our schedule. He has adjusted fairly well to all the new places, smells, and sights. The rooster next door gave him an unexpected wake-up the other morning, which seemed to startle him at 6am (another reasons why we hate that rooster). Everyone is smitten with the little guy and, to be honest, how couldn't they be - the kid is a cutie! Continue to pray for Trevor as he adjusts to life in Buff Bay and also that we will be wise in planning and scheduling our days.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the days so far, one thing has stuck out in our minds - we feel like we belong here. No doubt we love being in the States, and we had a fantastic time in NJ with family and friends, but regardless of the challenges, Buff Bay is home right now, and it feels like it. It is good to be back; we are ready to get back to work!

Apples to Apples

The world is about to change. Well, maybe. As I write this, the geeky, cult-like following devoted to everything Apple is awaiting the news of what is expected to be the release of the iPhone 5. If this does not sound like news to you, let me be the first to assure you that it is. Seriously, it really is... I think. Either way, people are on the edge of their seats, the stock market is bracing for a bump, and small figurines of Steve Jobs are being raised in celebration and worship (think golden calf from the book of Exodus). As in all of these cases, anticipation is extremely high, particularly for those who have been holding out on buying a new phone for quite some time. What will be new (or old)? How will they make something unbelievably awesome even more awesome-er?!? I don't know. But I do know that Kirsten and I share this feeling of anticipation, but not for the new iPhone. The reality is that we are excited about and a bit anxious for getting back to Buff Bay!

We leave in less than two weeks, so life is now full of packing and good-byes, while trying to savor the last couple of days in the States. There is an excitement and burning desire to get back to work and to people we dearly love in and around Buff Bay. There is also a sadness to leave people we love and care about in the States. Throughout our extended stay we have been incredibly blessed by the kindness, hospitality, and love so many have shown us, not least of which our supporters (both churches and families/friends)! Kirsten and I have always boasted in how well God has supplied our financial and spiritual support by the means of His people! Even with this foundation of support and excitement, there is still a feeling of anxiousness as we gear-up for travel. How will the ministry be different (what will remain the same)? How do we reengage? How can we guard against past mistakes, short-comings? What does this phase of the ministry look like going forward?

Neither the stock market nor a world-wide audience will ever know how these questions will be answered, unlike the unveiling of the iPhone. However, in terms of eternity, only what is done for Christ will last. This is not an attempt to overstate our roles and responsibilities, but simply a restatement of a biblical truth (1 John 2:17, 1 Peter 1:24-25). We are ready, but anxious for what the future holds, and we trust that every detail is sovereignly controlled by God, who is able to turn anxiety into excitement and joy!

Wi be Jammin'

To say it has been a while is certainly an understatement, and we apologize to those who check the blog on a regular basis and were disappointed with no new news. That said, here is the skinny.

The past few months have been good and, as you can imagine, unique. Life as parents is tiring and consuming yet beautiful and fulfilling. We have tried to see friends and family and visit churches (which was a tremendous blessing and will tell you more about our visits in a future post) all while rolling with earthquakes, hunkering down in hurricanes, and keeping from getting a wicked chill! Additionally, we were able to break away for a week in central PA for our first "family vacation!" Although it was soggy and cool, it was a great time to share together, for Trevor to ride his first 4-wheeler, and really decompress from a whirlwind of events. Kirsten even found a way to surprise me for my birthday with tickets to see a living legend!

We also were able to attend a great Bible conference hosted by our home church in Ocean City. One of the wonderful things about the conference is that many of you were there; connecting with you and others is more than half the fun! In addition to spending quality time with people we knew was the opportunity to hear great preaching and enjoy worshiping God with such faithful brothers and sisters! (If you are interested in hearing some of the teaching you can check it out here for free!)

So, here is the news you really want to here... Trevor is doing great and received a clean bill of health from the doctor. It took us a while to get in to see the doctor, but we were thankful that Trevor is a healthy little boy (who is starting to coo and smiles constantly) and ready for travel to Jamaica! That being the case, we are awaiting his passport and have booked tickets (for October 14th), and are beginning to pack for the "land we love."

In the last couple of weeks, we are still going to try to visit with some more people before we head back and still get ready to hit the ground running. Soon the sounds of reggae beats will beat in our heads and the heat of the beautiful Caribbean sun will warm our hearts. Then we will know wi be jammin'!

PS - We are officially back in business and will be updating regularly. So see you soon!

Three Bits of Good News

Our little man Trevor is doing great! He was slow to gain weight, but he is now packing on the ounces, moving quickly from milk to filet mignon (well, not filet - yet). Kirsten is also doing really well although understandably tired. Trevor, for the most part, has been really kind to us at night. It is incredible the way God has used him to bring greater joy in our lives by simply enjoying our little guy. Thank you all so much for your cards, emails, prayers, gifts, etc. You, too, have been a fantastic blessing in our lives.

Secondly, we have great news to report from Buff Bay. Just last week I was talking to Pastor Allen who told us that our work permits and waivers had been approved! Again, we are thankful for God's provision and praise Him for showing us in a practical way that He has ordained this work for us and has prepared the way (Ephesians 2:10). Although we will need to reapply soon for next year's waiver, the fact that we received this waiver without having to appeal to local politicians is great news and is promising for next time.

Lastly, I am wrapping up the last week of my second semester of classes. Just as in last semester, the work has been really good. I was challenged and pushed to think more biblically while strengthening my skills for practical day-to-day work in ministry. Overall, I have performed well and am looking forward to more classes. Please pray for me as I continue this fall with another class - that it will not be merely academic but practical and profitable.

For your viewing and "awing" pleasure - more pictures of Trevor!

Trevor Hudson Anzardo

At 1:15am on Thursday, everything changed. Kirsten turned to me with news that made me feel like a president receiving defcon 5 alerts from the secretary of defense. Her water had broken. We shot out of bed, grabbed the emergency bag, and rushed to the hospital. Twelve hours and lots of labor pains later, Kirsten gave birth to Trevor Hudson Anzardo!


Trevor was born 6 lbs 13 oz and 19.75 inches. Kirsten was an absolute rock star in labor and quickly won the respect and love of the nurses, midwife, and doctor. She stuck to her guns and went through without any pain medication. I also stayed on my feet the entire time, even long enough to cut the cord! Throughout the entire process of labor and beyond, we were constantly reminded of the incredible power, wisdom, and creativity of God. Life is precious and beautiful - for it is a gift from God!




As of now, Kirsten and I (along with our families), are thoroughly enjoying getting to know Trevor! Even at five days old he is beaming with personality! I will post additional pictures soon, so stay tuned.

We are alive...and well!

The past few weeks have gone by quickly! However, the speeding calendar has not stopped us from connecting with family and friends. Although there are many more people to see, Kirsten and I feel refreshed and blessed that we have been able to spend some quality time with people we love and miss while in Jamaica. Eating food, sharing stories, and enjoying one another's company is deeply satisfying, and we thank God for the opportunity to do so during our time in the States.

As far as the baby is concerned, baby and Mommy are doing really well. We have had all great reports from the doctors and will be having another ultrasound next week! We are awaiting the "little one" on the 26th of July, which is approaching at a blistering speed. When not visiting or eating local favorites, I have been deep in studies as this is my mid-term exam week.

Please continue to pray for us as we anticipate parenthood and recharge in New Jersey. Also continue in prayer for the ministries in Buff Bay. We will be sure to keep you updated with our dealings!

The prayers of the righteous accomplish much

I knew that the 101st post needed to be good. As you have seen, although last week was a good one, today trumps last week.

The last 24 hours have been filled with excitement and heartbreak. After seventeen days away from my beautiful, pregnant bride, I was ready to hold and kiss her again! As the flight date approached, my excitement grew, and then came my flight itinerary update last night at 6 pm. As I reviewed my flight information, I realized that I made a horrendous mistake in booking the flight. My plan was to leave at 4 pm on the 13th from Kingston (which was correct on the itinerary), but my connecting flight, which I supposed to be at 8:10 pm, was scheduled for the next day at 7 am! They did not cancel the flight; I totally screwed it up. So we started praying that God would get me home to New Jersey tonight.

I have been reading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret recently and have been floored by the faith of the famous missionary to China. Legendary is the word that comes to mind. My heart burned on almost every page to enjoy, celebrate, and trust Jesus with mighty issues we face and as well as the minutiae. So, like Hudson Taylor, I have begun resting more on Jesus and his promise to meet our needs. Jesus bids us to come and drink from his fountain and be satisfied (John 6:35) in a continual way. This is my hope.

Now, back to Fort Lauderdale. We were asking God that I may be able to fly standby for the flight to Atlantic City, which leaves 8:10...remember. First hurdle: my flight was delayed out of Kingston 45 minutes. Second hurdle: a delayed release from the our plane upon arrival for security purposes. Throughout this period I thought of something that Hudson Taylor had learned about God: if He is going to move, no amount of hurdles matter.

I am currently sitting in the gate awaiting a delayed flight crew, which is keeping MY Atlantic City flight from departing on the 13th. I got on the plane with no hassle and time to spare. There will be no sleeping in Florida on vinyl airport benches but in a bed with my wife in New Jersey.

Getting on the plane I sent Kirsten a text message with James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" in the message. The reality is I have never thought of myself as the man that this verse talks about for effective prayer. That is, I am not like Hudson Taylor. As I was walking to my gate I realized that the object of our faith is what is key, which is exactly what Taylor knew.

Let me try to land this thought plane for you. I am not righteous but Jesus is. The Christian has his or her life in Christ and can approach the "throne room" of God boldly (Hebrews 4:16) and know that it is not on our righteousness but Christ's righteousness that we stand. It is here that "we have a strong and perfect plea before God" as the hymn says. Our prayers are worthless without Christ. God hears our prayers because Jesus took our unrighteousness and gave us his righteousness. God delights to hear from His adopted children in Christ. He delights to showcase the reign, rule, and power of the risen Christ even through answering prayer. Today I got schooled in God's sovereignty and compassion, and I am stoked about it!