I’ve never met an American I didn’t like
Written by Alex – Anita’s little sister.
So hands up who was planning on spending the summer holidays in snowy Omaha, Nebraska?
Today was the last full day we (Nana, Poppa and myself) were spending here before we begin our journey home to NZ tomorrow.  The last 3 weeks have been pretty full on but I’ve found my time here to be a HUGE blessing.
As I hinted to before – I hadn’t planned to spend my holidays over here but the Lord had other, and as always, better plans for me. I could go on and on about all the ways He’s shown me how to lean on Him and all the things He’s revealed to me since I’ve been here but you go to church for sermons – not Aria’s website.
However, I do feel a great desire to share with you how thankful I am for all the people that have supported, looked after, driven around, feed, entertained, listened, and encouraged us. There is a whole group of people who don’t know us from a bar of soap but have welcomed us into their lives have gone out of their way so many times to make things easier for us. They don’t wait for a need to pop up – they actively ask and search for anything they can do for us. This is no small effort on their behalf and to them I am truely grateful.
To name a few. Sharon & Doc – the makers of some fantastic cherry pie and heaps of other American delicacies. Dan and Fran who have been ferrying us around all over the place, given us tonnes of dvds to watch, taken us out from some amazing Mexican food and so much more. Their two boys Daniel and Thomas – seriously sweet and caring boys – I’ve never met kids of their age (9 &13) quite like them. Randy – the pastor of Grace Reformed – for taking a rather large load of my mind when he told me on Sunday that members of his church were ready and waiting to fill our shoes once we leave. It is so so so good to know that the body of Christ is working together to look after my family!! And thanks to his wife Angie aswell – I know Anita really appreciates your friendship – I’m just sad that I didn’t get the chance to meet you.
And a really really huge thank you to Carol and Cordell. They have provided us with not just a place to rest our heads, but a home for the whole time we’ve been here. They’ve fed us, put up with us traipsing in and out of their house, struggled through with our unpredictable schedules and many many more things (seriously I could go on for ages). I don’t think they realise what a massive comfort and encouragement they’ve been to me personally. Their willingness to serve an entire extended family in any way, at any time is a true testament to the grace and love of our Saviour. I’m reminded of 1 Thess 1 vs 2&3 – We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in all our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, you labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
 I can’t express how much that has meant or how much it’s inspired me. I’ve struggled since the day that Anita, Hamish, Aria and Asher left to figure out ‘what I’m meant to do now’. How can I actively help and serve my family when they’re so far away?? The answer – I can try to be the Carol and Cordell to someone else’s Anita and Hamish. I encourage everyone to keep praying for the MacDonald family – but more than that I implore you to keep an eye out for the people that need you and who are right on your doorstep.
To Anita and Hamish – James 1 vs 12 – Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. To be frank your life is stinking hard! But you are a massive inspiration to me in my walk with Christ and I admire your courage and determination. Through you great things are being achieved – even when you don’t see it.
There is so much more to say but I think I’ve said enough for now 🙂
Praise the Lord! He is the instigator of this whole thing!
17 Responses to “I’ve never met an American I didn’t like”
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# 21 Jan at 3:17 pm
What a wonderful post Alexandra. It is so very very pleasing to see such a positive post acknowledging the wonderful people over there giving assistance, both before you arrived, and after. It gladdens my heart to see the blessed American helpers, and their way of life, and their food positively acknowledged. If you can get back to New Zealand and say, “boy I miss Sharon & Doc’s cherry pie” (among other American delicacies), you know that it will have been a great trip and a wonderful experience. I love you for that Alexandra!
# 21 Jan at 3:34 pm
I really am short for words (which is a rarity). Thank you for posting this. Many of the same people you referred to have likewise touched MY own life (and my family’s!!) You are SO right! I struggle being far away (Texas), and yet wanting so badly to help Anita and Hamish more. But….who is right under my nose that I am not seeing? I too want to be a “Carol & Cordell!!!!” (LOVE them!)
Many blessings on your trip back home……
# 21 Jan at 3:36 pm
Wow Alexandra! That was far better than a sermon in church. You are a great little sister, and one that every big sister needs! On top of that you are a very special aunty to Aria and Asher. Give them both a kiss from us please.
May God wipe away the tears at the goodbye time, put His arms around you and comfort you.
A big gigantic enormous hug from your two cousins down here in Colombia. Get back in touch with us pleeeese!
# 21 Jan at 4:28 pm
What beautiful words. My eyes are leaking.
Very inspired now to find someone locally who could do with a helping hand.
# 21 Jan at 5:12 pm
That was wonderful to hear Alexandra! That was beautiful! I don’t know you, but take care in knowing that A LOT of people are praying for your family! I’m glad to hear that you have found some great American friends! 🙂 Have a safe flight back home to New Zealand! God Bless!
# 21 Jan at 6:51 pm
Wonderful, encouraging words. You are so right- we are meant to be encouragers and helpers to whoever needs it where we are- isn’t that a great idea. Just like- we can’t always return help to someone who helps us- and we arent always meant to- we are meant to pass it on! Bless you as you return home- I’m so glad you know that your loved ones are in good hands
# 21 Jan at 8:23 pm
Alexandra,what an inspiring post. I have never met you or your family but have you all in my prayers.
Judy
# 21 Jan at 9:48 pm
What an awesome little sister! What a fantastic family! Love to you all as you head home… And stay behind. Xxx
# 21 Jan at 10:38 pm
Big hugs and tons of luv Alex xxx Safe flight home and see ya soon from the expat brits xxxx P.S Thomas is hoping you can make it for the 4th of July ;o)
# 22 Jan at 7:09 am
Amen to all the above Alex! You are a huge blessing xox
# 22 Jan at 7:23 am
Alex – what an amazing, encouraging, inspiring, uplifting post. Thank you! Awesome to hear how much the American church family has taken the Macdonalds under their wings. Praying for travelling mercies and that the parting wouldn’t be too difficult… xxx
# 22 Jan at 2:12 pm
WOW! I agree with the others… truly beautiful post! Hamish & Anita, you both have been an inspiration as long as I’ve been reading/following your story! Your faith is amazing! And Alex… you are no different, your post has left me in tears and deep in thought! Thank you so much! I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!! All the family, including the ones left in NZ!! Bless you all!!
# 22 Jan at 5:15 pm
Hi Anita and Hamish
As I write this I am guessing you are heavy in your hearts as Mum, Dad and Sis will have left today for NZ. How wonderful that they could be there during a very tense time for you but also some lighter times near the end. It will be hard as you will have more tribulations to go through. Try to be uplifted by the Kiwi/Oz and worldwide support in prayers and following your blog as we all will on those organs for Aria to arrive. You are so blessed to have the strong support of your little Omaha community now who you greatly appreciate. Take care. Kia kaha. Linda XX
# 22 Jan at 5:26 pm
Humbling, wise and inspiring to read. Ongoing love and prayers for the extended family as you touch down and pray and wait from afar. X
# 22 Jan at 8:01 pm
Thinking of you all as you farewell each other. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
# 22 Jan at 11:06 pm
Alex, Thank you so much for your encouragement and exultation.
May the Lord comfort you as you say goodbye for now.
Samantha Seccombe
# 26 Jan at 8:00 pm
Beautiful.