Common questions- Part 1

(Lynn here!)
I want to answer the most common questions we are hearing as our departure date nears.

Where are you going?
Whangarei, New Zealand for about 1 year.

What's up with the 'fruity' blog name?
A kiwi is not just for breakfast anymore. People from New Zealand refer to themselves as Kiwis. They have the Kiwi bird and they grow alot of kiwi fruit. We are going there to medically serve the people- hence 'kiwiserve'- not to serve the birds or the fruit, although I'm sure they are quite nice, as well.

I thought you were going on a mission trip- like to Africa or something?
This year represents a mission abroad for the entire family. Everyone is sacrificing. No, we are not risking life and limb and foregoing running water in a third world country. Dawn and I have both done that before and have no interest in taking 4 elementary school age children into that environment. We are, however, going halfway around the world to provide needed medical care to a place and people we feel called to serve. We have been told the church needs help and will be ready to work hard with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they show us the need. Our children will be exposed to a world beyond the US borders which will not only teach them about New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, etc.- but will make them appreciate what we take for granted at home. I have learned that 'mission' is a slippery term- everyone has different notions of what it means. I like to simplify it: a person's (or family's) mission is doing the deeds set before you in the service of God and people as directed by conscience, desires, and ultimately, obedience to a calling. The location can range from the house next door to the poorest places on the planet. For the next 12 months our calling is to New Zealand and we are very excited about it. We thank you for joining us and supporting us with your words of encouragement and prayers.

God bless you and yours!

Great news!
We have leased our house for 9 months and will be moving out in 3 days. Life from a suitcase begins for awhile. We hope the nice family living in our house will enjoy the neighbors and house as much as we do. Dawn and I work through the end of March and we all fly out April 17th. Another piece of the puzzle falling together- health insurance while abroad. This is coming together, as well, thanks to the insurors in the Nichols family!

Thank you for visiting our blog. Coming within the next week I will try to answer the most common questions we are asked regarding our year in New Zealand. Starting with an explanation for the name of our blog.

God bless!