(v.) to promote growth by labor and attention

I’ve got dates, folks.

Not the romantic kind.  No, no.  And not the eating kind either.  Although either of those might make for an entertaining blog post.  Sorry to get your hopes up.

I have Thailand dates.

I gave official notice to work this week that I’ll be wrapping up my work in DC the end of June.  Sending the “I’m leaving” email to my Board of Directors, state executives and farmer-leaders throughout the country with whom I’ve worked so closely for years was a whole lot harder than I anticipated.

Granted, I’ve sent a fair number of those emails in my somewhat-spasmodic 6-year career in DC.  Having held four jobs in that time span, I’m getting accustomed to sending the… “Guess what?  Here I go again…” emails.  But this one was different.  This one seemed more final.  And it took a good chunk more faith than the previous ones.

This time I wasn’t leaving to better pay. No promotions. No better benefits. This time I’m leaving it all behind.  And as scary as sending that email was, God was faithful in giving confirmation that it’s STILL the right decision.

I was quickly overwhelmed with humbling responses from what is now a broad community of believers and supporters — farmers across the country — that threw their full support behind this decision.  I shouldn’t have been surprised considering how huge their hearts are, but I was still humbled and amazed at how quick they were to affirm this crazy decision to leave a comfortable job, salary and life to pursue full-time missions. 

Moral of the story:  God is good.  And I love farmers. 

Thus, another stake in the ground on my crazy journey to Thailand.

A few others to announce:  August 16, 2010: SFO-BKK.  The ticket is purchased. 

And, I’m now listed as a missionary on the Servantworks giving site.  Which means I can officially start fundraising.  Another leap of faith as I relinquish my painful independence…  Stay tuned.