Ready to Move

In the big picture all of this seems simple and straight forward. We are moving our family of four to Germany, indefinitely. It's an industrialized first world nation. People move there all the time. They have Internet and coffee, kids are adaptable and ours are young. We will have a house and a job when we get there.

But the hourly details of it threaten to overwhelm me.

We just had a fantastic Skype date with a couple from our ministry in Alaksa (they're now in Massachusets.) We "met" their 4 month old son, and they encouraged us in preparation for our new ministry just how impactful we had been on them.  It's a good reminder of the big picture.

But when my 15 month old wakes up in the middle of the night confused about where he is (we just had the carpets cleaned and his room is empty), it worries me.  He might sleep in 7 different places in the coming weeks. Or rather be put to bed, the sleeping question is what worries me. Will he sleep? Because the sun still comes up every morning whether or not the babies sleep.

Parenting often seems like a train with no brakes, I'm just trying to keep it from derailing. Oh and build a bridge across the Atlantic after crossing the Mississippi and heading through the Appalachains. We love our ministry to the military. Today's challenge is my ministry to my children, my ministry to my family. Yup, missionaries struggle there too.

Time to make lunch, thanks for reading!
Elaine

Cleburne Times-Review: Making Peace

This article was published in my hometown Newspaper, The Cleburne Times-Review, back in December. Click on these links to see higher resolution images:

Click here to see the Front Page

Click here to see the remainder of the article

Thanks to John Austin for a job well done!

What's A Cadence?

I really can't believe I'm sharing this photo with you, but it fits. Be gentle ;-)

So there I was, sweating to the not-so-oldies the other day at the gym. In fact it might be the newest song I own, since most of the stuff I listen to was dreamed up before I was and this song won a Grammy last week.  It's a catchy pop tune that has a fantastic beat, rhythm, cadence.  I was trudging along at the half way mark of an already tired morning when the song came on.  As it started I thought to myself, "Oh no, I don't want this one to play. I don't wan't to do what it's going to cause me to do". This song was a real workout game changer.  And I love it.  It really does have a fantastic beat and really (really) gets me moving. I look like that girl at the gym who is running from a psycho lunatic. Luckily the song is only three minutes long because if it compelled me any longer to go at that all-out pace I might pass out.

Sometime in the 90s Overseas Christian Servicemen's Center (O.C.S.C.) Decided that the name "Cadence" fit better on a t-shirt and so they changed it (or something like that).  When we share about our ministry we're sure to mention the old name, as a lot of veterans will recognize it.  But why Cadence? It doesn't paint a crystal clear picture of our mission. Sure it hints at military affiliation but I could never really explain it.

But a cadence keeps you moving, it keeps you in step. A cadence keeps you going when you would rather not.  That is what we as believers need. We need brothers, sisters, and mentors to keep us going. Our job in ministry is to come along side of young people who need a place to go for encouragement, rest, and spiritual support. We have met a lot of Soldiers and Airmen who have stumbled through our door looking for a good meal not wanting to change anything about their lives. They sit with us and say, "I'm not sure I want to be challenged".  I'd like to think that as those people join our community they have no choice but to be challenged and changed by the Word of God. We pray that they would be compelled into an all-out run toward Jesus. We have seen that play out in our home and in our lives. We are a Cadence, called by the Holy Spirit.


hup, two, three, four...

Elaine


p.s. the song is Some Nights by Fun. I can only recommend it as a catchy pop tune good for the workout playlist.

Boots in the Doorway

A friend shared this on Facebook recently. It captures the heart of so many dear women I know. Military spouses are an important part of our ministry.

A Military Wife

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come
after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is
unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
EPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
ABU
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
The glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her
Military Husband,
She will remain his Military Wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

I would really like to credit the source for this poem, if you can help find it please let me know! Thanks

Elaine

Merry Christmas

The Auldridge family wants to wish you a very merry Christmas!
We have been so blessed in years past to serve members of the military community far from home during the holidays. We are grateful to spend it with our family this year (with the possibility of snow in Pennsylvania!)
We're looking forward to moving our family to Germany to provide ministry in a new military community with Cadence International. Maybe next year we'll celebrate a German Christmas.

We pray that you will take some time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, God's provision for our redemption. And spent some time loving each other well.

Merry Christmas,
Wes, Elaine, Ada, & Silas

Here He Comes

If He is King, why won't I let him command? If He is Father, why don't I accept his embrace? If He forgives, why won't I accept his forgiveness.
I have a constant battle with myself. I forget. I forget all the time. I want to pray for you and, most importantly, for me that this Christmas season we remember. Who He is. What He's done. We must remember, He is willing, He is able, and He loves us so much he sent his son as a sacrifice for our sins, struggles and imperfections.

Remember He is coming! Oh and Merry Christmas!

wes

FUNdraising

     This weekend the ladies of Cleburne Bible Church are holding their second annual Craft Bazaar.  I'm only semi-crafty even when I have all of my stuff accessible.  But I told them that I'd love to help with my craft of baking. All the while knowing it would really hit the spot for my need to bake and not eat it all.
     So, I'm donating four dozen cookies to the concession table and I've baked more to bag and sell on my own along with a dozen loaves of Honey Whole Wheat or Cinnamon Swirl bread.  While I was telling some ladies at church about my breads, one of them asked about other baked goods.  I assured her that I bake lots of things and am up for a challenge. She asked if she could buy a loaf of Zucchini bread from me for Thanksgiving.  Is it possible that this is the start of a trend where I get to lick the spoon, smell lovely baked goods, and don't have to have them staring at me from my counter for days? I think so!
     All of the proceeds from my bake sale will go toward our Cadence start-up fund.  I hope to get the occasional order for homemade goodies, those profits will also go to Cadence. The idea is that everyone loves homemade stuff, especially with an increasing awareness of "non-food" in processed grocery store items.  Lots of people don't have the time or energy to bake themselves (and I'm realizing that some people don't even like to bake *gasp*). Hopefully I can help them, and they can help me.
     The name "The Art of Homemade" I chose because I like food that looks and tastes like food. All of my bread is made from scratch, by hand. I use things you're likely to have found in your grandmother's kitchen.  Some people are really creative and make a cake look like a real live fish bowl. That's great for them, but I'm not really into that.
     

Thanks for reading!
Elaine

Our Co-workers

(Missionaries and the Pastoral Care Team at the Member Care Retreat 

in Monument, Colorado October 2012)

We don't often talk about having co-workers, but Cadence has about 200 missionaries, as well as some great office staff.  At the beginning of October we were blessed with the opportunity to spend 4 days with some of these great people at the Member Care Retreat. The retreat serves as a time to rest, reflect, share with each other, encourage, and pray for each other. All of us are on Home Assignment, or have just finished it.  I'd love to introduce them to you, and share a little about their ministries to give you a better picture of Cadence's mission (it goes to say that we love all of them, lots!).

Starting in the front row left, Dick & MaryEtta Reynolds:  Dick is the VP of Human Resources MaryEtta is the nourisher of all things creative, homey, and hospitable. They have experience directing Hospitality Houses in Europe and raising children "in the field".

Front and center, Milt and Jeanie Bryan: Milt has been a counselor in private practice in Denver for many years and has recently joined Cadence in the capacity of Pastoral Care. He and his wife cared for us very well while we were in Denver, providing lots of counsel and friendship.

Front left, Gene and Anne Poppino: Initial Pastoral Care team with Cadence. Its their job to love us, even pastors (missionaries) need pastors. Gene visited several times in Alaska, meeting with us as a Team (with the Evans') and as couples. They live in Oregon and travel the world helping to make sure Cadence missionaries are healthy and growing.

Back Row from Left to Right:
Jim & Martha Bowden: They have just returned from 4 years as Hospitality House Directors at The Lighthouse in Yokosuka, Japan. They have served as fill-in missionaries since 2002.  Jim is a property owner/manager by trade and Martha a homemaker. All of their children are grown and live in Michigan with a bundle of grandkids. My (Elaine's) initial contact with them was at Moody Bible Institute. Their daughter was an MBI student who came to England as a Cadence Intern one summer (in a way, they are the reason I ended up at Moody and in turn, serving with Cadence).

Dave & Andrea Hutchings: Andrea is the daughter of Cadence Missionaries and has grown up in Hospitality Houses around the world. In 2008, after 2 weeks of marriage, they went to Okinawa, Japan to begin working with Marine Corps kids through Cadence Student Ministries. They established a fruitful ministry there through all of its growing pains, as well as started their own family. They plan to return to Okinawa next year (they are also MBI alumni, although none of us knew each other as students).

Rick & Jan Utecht: Rick is an F-16 pilot retired from the US Air Force. They have just served 4 years in Misawa, Japan.  This was their first assignment with Cadence.  Their ministry included Americans and Japanese.  They were forced to leave the field due to major health issues. Thankfully Jan has recovered completely and they are doing well in Wisconsin now.

Eric & Janet Thimell: They have worked with Cadence for 28 years. They've served as Hospitality House directors in Panama, Europe, and South Korea. for the last 12 years Eric has worked at Headquarters in the IT department. They have recently moved to Mountain Home, Idaho to minister to the Air Force there.

Wes & Elaine Auldridge: Missionaries Extrordinaire, Novice Parents (or something like that.) After college they served for three years in Alaska, having each completed internships in England as single people. Their hope is to return to Europe to minister the the Soldiers there, stationed far from home. They have been assigned to Wiesbaden, Germany to establish Cadence's first Hospitality House ministry there. Please help spread the word about their ministry and the plans to plant this ministry! (also, they have the cutest kids ever!)

Thanks for reading. I hope this gives you a little broader picture of who Cadence Missionaries are, and our heart for serving military communities.
God Bless,
Elaine

p.s. most of this is written from my memory, as I met most of these people on the retreat. So, some of the numbers/details might not be exact but they still paint the broad picture of the people who make up "Cadence".

Patience

Patience is a funny thing. The moment I decided to sit down and write this blog Silas began to cry. All I want to do is write and he keeps crying. Ada on the other hand, has been lying in bed for over an hour singing to herself. My kids both need naps. Not for their sanity alone but for mine as well.
As Silas continues to cry I begin to get more frustrated. How long until Elaine gets back from the store? Why won't he take his pacifier? Will she ever fall asleep?
...and the cycle continues. What's funny about all this is that it is on top of what I am already feeling about life. How long will we be in Texas? When can we get to Germany? How in the world are we going to get the money raised to go? It all adds up. I become more frustrated and less patient.
A few days ago I was hit once again by the grace and truth 2X4. It happens from time to time. This time I was reminded that life is not all about whats going to happen next. It's about right now. God (due to his nature of being outside of time) is never concerned with the future. He is concerned about our now. The Lord desires prayer without ceasing. That is not future prayer that is prayer now. He desires we rejoice in him always. That is not future rejoicing it is rejoicing now. Wait, maybe that is some kind of secret to life. We should never primarily focus on what's next but what happening now. My kids are growing up, now. My wife deserves to be loved, now. My God has a ministry for us right here, right now. Our hearts may long to return to the field and that's ok as long as that is not our sole focus in life, but there is life to be living here and now.
I'm sure I connect with many of you about our constant struggle to be present in the present. Please pray for us as we try to do a better job of abiding in Christ now.

Convicted,
Wes
Missionary in Texas for Now

Cooking for Friends

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cherry Salsa 

This was an adventurous dish that went over moderately well, it would 

not be a hospitality dish because its just a little too "out there" ;-)

For the record, I liked it.

I (Elaine) love to eat cook.  Its a really big part of my role in a Hospitality House. Its how I became connected as an Airmen to the Hospitality House.  I peeled potatoes, peeled tomatoes (before learning about blanching!), turned a messy pan of brownies into a lovely torte, made pie crust, soup, cookies and loads more.  As the director of a house I do the planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning for meals.  I really like employing Airmen in these tasks too, as was done for me. Like the time I made Steven grate three pounds of cheddar cheese by hand! Or the time I had Chris chop several cups of pecans, by hand (he came back the next day with a nut chopper for me!). And I'm sure that almost everyone who has come through my front door has been handed a spoon and told, "here, stir this" at some point.

As we've been staying with family for 6 of the last 8 weeks I've been able to stretch my "cooking for more than two" muscles.  My "Food" board on Pinterest has always been the fastest growing.  I've spent the last year collecting recipes and constantly brainstorming on how to turn one lovely family meal into a lovely family meal for 30 people.  What ingredients do I need? What tools do I need? How can I pull this off and not feel like a cafeteria?

I've really loved cooking for our families again and its a nice little jump start before we head back into field ministry and I'm feeding the masses. If you've been the benefactor of this food, thanks for not wrinkling your nose at my new recipes or odd combinations (I'm not good at pairing food yet--waffles and coleslaw anyone?).  If you find a new, yummy, challenging or interesting recipe please pass it along!

Nothing makes someone feel at home better than a good meal or a hot beverage on a cool evening.  But we know that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4). We're not a restaurant, we're a body. And we love it.

One last thing...if we end up getting assigned to Germany I'll need someone to help with a comprehensive lexicon of English to German food and cooking terms! Thanks.

Elaine

K-Love Pledge Drive

If you are like me you change the radio station every time K-Love does their pledge drive. I'm sure this is a maturity issue with me, but I can't stand the idea of being asked for financial support all-day-long. I just get annoyed with it. But like many areas in my life, when the Lord wants to shape me (my patiences, my pride) he hits me where it hurts.
Every time I have Tweeted, Facebook messaged, Blogged or asked someone for help during this support raising phase of life, I feel like I am doing unto other what I hate done to me. So I struggle with doing what God is asking us to do.
This is just another thing God does to remind us of the Truth. You see, the truth is, Elaine and I can't minister to the military without others. We are in need and cannot continue on our mission (just like K-Love) unless we ask. Please understand this blog is merely a confession to all of you about where my heart is right now.
Let me end by saying this if you are starting to get frustrated with us constantly asking for financial help during this season, please bear with us. It will be over soon enough. God is definitely moving right now and we are getting closer and closer to to heading back to the field. Personally, I can't wait to share the stories about ministry on the ground once we are back in the field instead of asking for help all the time.
Please continue to pray for God to shape our hearts and minds and to provide for our needs to get back into the field.
We love you friends,
Wes

MISSION-33

What is MISSION-33? This year I (Wes) turned 33. It got me thinking, 33 is a pretty good number. It’s the approximate age of Christ when he died for our sins. King David ruled 33 years in Jerusalem. It’s the atomic number of arsenic (not sure how that fits). It’s Larry Bird’s old number with the Celtics.

As you can see there is great meaning involved with this number. In my search to discover more facts about this number I found countless websites dedicated to the conspiracy theories involving the number 33 as well as a lot of bad information being referred to as facts.

Well, you’re probably wondering what my interest in the number is. I’m thinking more along the lines of finances. $33. Would you be willing to adopt us, support us, send us, supply us, finance us, employ us for only $33 dollars a month? If we can get 33 people to to give $33 a month we would be much closer to meeting our monthly goal. Do you believe in our ministry? Do you believe in what we are doing? Will you give $33 a month.

Click here (MISSION-33.com) to find out the various ways to give.

Click here to make a donation or set up recurring credit card gifts.

It Was Over

This a video put together by Lifecairn. It features Brian and Kendra Goodman, friends of ours, who share their testimony and the impact of our Hospitality House Ministry in Alaska.

Moving On/Texas Bound

(Spending time with Hasslers in San Antonio)

Elaine: The clouds are really moving up there.

Wes: The clouds are always moving in Texas. One minute they’re a bunny shape then next...they’re...cloud shape. 

What an imagination he has! ;-)

We left Aurora two Thursdays ago, drove south through Colorado and across the corner of New Mexico, that was a pretty chunk of our drive. Once we got into the panhandle of Texas I (Elaine) discovered something: a new definition to “middle of nowhere.” There is a whole lot of nothing between Colorado Springs and Amarillo, TX. Once you head south from there you pass through a series of populated football stadiums until you hit the DFW area. (Any of you who grew up playing or attending football games at Bald Eagle-Nittany should know that any town with over 24 people in TX has a football stadium, with lights.) I always feel like its a cultural experience, being in Texas. We sat at a traffic light and counted six different fast food taco restaurants in Burleson: Taco Bell, Taco Bueno, FasTaco, Taco Casa, Taco Cabana & Primo Taco.

I’m about to get a much bigger helping of all things Texas. We’re relocating! We had planned to make several road trips this summer but during this trip we’ve really seen God leading us a different direction. To learn more, please click here and read our latest e-mail, Life's Progressive Dinner.

Thanks for the Prayers,

Elaine

Deep in the Heart of Texas

(This was Ada's name tag at Cleburne Bible Church this past Sunday)

We made it to Texas and are hard at work telling our friends, families and churches about our next steps with Cadence. We have been busy. Between showing Silas off to my side of the family for the first time and meeting with various pastors and friends we are getting more and more excited about our next assignment. We do need prayer as we consider some big changes in our current plans to raise the funds we will need. Please lift us up in regards to making the right decision as well as God providing for all our financial needs by the fall.

If you are in North Texas and want to get together with us please email me and we will set something up (our emails are at the bottom of the page)

Seeking His Glory,
Wes

Call us crazy...

...but we're beginning our summer of travel with a small car, two kids and a rough itinerary! We have recently made some modifications to our car to help avoid baking our babies as we begin driving across America's great flat states. There are 3 possible routes that will all takes about 13 hours to get to Ft Worth. In our younger days that would be no problem with ample snacks, beverages, and an iPod charger. But with a toddler and a newborn we'll make it a two day trip. I'm excited about any of the routes, as I've not been to most of these states out here, and am intrigued by vast flatness.
We'll have about 10 days in Texas and look forward to seeing lots of friends, if you're there I hope we get together, so please let us know (don't be afraid to initiate, and follow up. It would be a big help to us!). We plan to be at Cleburne Bible Church on Sunday the 10th. And I'm hoping to return to Colorado via San Antonio.
Please pray for safety with our overall travel. Patience with each other and our babies. Great family bonding. Healing for Silas' diaper rash before we strap him into his carseat for a long time. Good meetings with people interested in our ministry.

Ada is getting packed...                                                Silas is helping too!


Thanks a bunch! Elaine (with Wes, Ada, & Silas)

Help Wanted

Dear Friends,
The time has come for us to really begin raising support for our next assignment with Cadence in Europe. Our goal is to be in the field by the end of October this year. That leaves us with our new job, no more resting, now it's time to ask for help.

First, we need everyone to begin praying that all of our financial need will be met. Second, we need all our friends and family to consider coming on board with us either monthly or with one-time donations. This is the help we need to get us back into the field and continue this mission God has called us to.

So, would you consider helping us? Maybe $25, $50 or $100 a month? Maybe a one time gift?

CONTRIBUTE HERE

Our travels begin in two weeks as we head to Texas. If you would like to meet up with us while we are down there to either reconnect and learn more please e-mail me.

For His Glory!
Wes

What a Week (Video)

(Me and my buddy Dan Stehley. More about him later.)

   You should all know by now that one week ago we welcomed our first son Silas into the world. It was an incredible moment in our family and we were thrilled to experience it together. Most of you don't know that last week held a few more surprises than just that. Let me go back and tell you an awesome God story.

   The Sunday before last Elaine and I were sitting in church listening to the sermon when Elaine handed me the bulletin pointing to something at the bottom. It said that on the following Sunday our church, Eastern Hills in Aurora, would spotlight on Cadence International. I about freaked out. I have spent some time over the past few months trying to get my foot in the door with our church to get some help raising support. I didn't get very far, until the Lord dropped this in my lap. I immediately started asking questions about the possibility of a booth that Sunday as well as some face time with the congregation. I received a phone call on Tuesday asking if I could meet with a few of the pastors to work out the details. I said, "I would love to meet as long as my wife isn't in labor!"

   The meeting Wednesday morning went really well. I was going to get 5 minutes in all three services to talk about Cadence and the next steps for us a family headed back into the mission field this fall. This was all great except one little detail, Elaine was about ready to pop. Well as God would have it Elaine went into labor that night, delivered Silas on Thursday and we came home from the Hospital at 2pm on Saturday. That was just enough time for me to compose my thoughts, grab a shower, change clothes and head to the church for the Saturday night service.

   What pleasure it was to share with congregation all God was doing to move us back into the field. Another blessing in all this was that I had ordered a video from LifeCairn to use in churches as we go around and speak. It also arrived last week and was ready for the service. Check it out!

   Words can't describe how amazed I was to see God's provisions for us last week. He has jump started our Partnership Development (aka. financial support raising) and given us a big thumbs up to move forward. What a rewarding life it is to walk in the Light!

All For His Glory,

Wes

Welcome Silas Levi Auldridge

Here are a few pictures of our new baby boy!

 Mommy and Silas shortly after delivery.

 Ada meeting her baby brother for the first time.

Our little man wide awake.

   Silas Levi was born May 10 at 2:44pm, 7lbs 11ozs, 20.75 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing really well! Thank you all for the prayers and support via Facebook. It really meant a lot to us.

For HIM!

Wes (For all four of the Auldridges)

Andrew's Testimonial

Here are some thoughts from my buddy Andrew Brammeier about Cadence International and us. If you want to do a quick video testimonial to post on our blog we would love it, so please e-mail me. If you would like to contribute to help get our family back into the field in Europe, please click here for more information.

In Christ,
Wes