Sifting the World

Andy

Andy grew up a Pastor’s son and had the feeling that at some point he would be fully in the ministry in some way or another when he got older.  His grandfather was a minister as well, and as much as he wanted to think he would not be in the pastoral ministry, he knew in the back of his mind that someday God would use him for His plan! 

After his father graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, his parents and a few other couples started a church in Terre Haute, IN, when he was in 3rd grade.  Unknowing at the time just how truly valuable this experience would be to grow up in, he had no thought that one day he would be church planting in Italy.  As the church grew, he continued to grow up through high school and sports continued to be a part of his life, as well as music.  His senior year in high school he began to play the guitar some.  Andy continued his education at Greenville College, where he played baseball and had a successful season on the mound his Freshman year.  When he was stricken with Mono his Sophomore year, he was forced to hang up his cleats, which led to his greater involvement with music.  That year, he began to write songs heavily, which he continues to do to this day.  He and Jaycie began to date his Senior year in college.  In December of 2001, he married the most wonderful woman that God has placed on this earth (Jaycie).  The following December when Andy’s Grandfather passed away, through the generosity of Andy’s parents, he and Jaycie were able to take a trip together to Italy (Jaycie had been to Europe in 2001).  Andy was forever changed, as God opened his eyes to the rest of the world.  He and Jaycie began to pray that God would begin preparing His plan for them in Italy.  Sometime after that, God blessed he and Jaycie with their first lovely daughter, Bella.  In the meantime, they moved back to Terre Haute, where they became involved with the church that Andy’s father started.  Two and a half years after Bella, his second lovely daughter, Gwynnie, came into his life…and he could not have been happier.  Over the next five years, Andy continued to work different jobs, while becoming more and more involved with the church.  From mentoring and teaching, to singing and leading the youth, God continued to grow him.  It wasn’t until something happened at his workplace, that God re-focused him back to the plan that He had for he and Jaycie in Italy.  In September of 2008, Andy and Jaycie were finally able to make it to a TEAM Explore Workshop after three years of attempting to do so.  And it paid off…he and Jaycie both left that weekend workshop ready to apply to become missionaries.  After six months of tests, doctor’s visits, questionaires, filling out forms, and much more, he and Jaycie were both accepted as appointee missionaries with TEAM.  He now looks forward to the day that he will step foot on Italian soil and continue God’s plan for his family there, in bringing Christ to the lost!

Jaycie

Jaycie grew up in church, too.  It has always been a defining part of her life.  She didn’t have any idea where her life would take her, but knew that God would always be beside her.  Jaycie’s family loved vacation, but always ended up in one of two places and it left her wanting to see the rest of the world.  A chance opportunity in college sent her packing to Europe for a month and little did she know, forever changing her life.  She spent a month in Italy, France, England and Scotland. She saw every major piece of artwork, architectural sites, and major tourist sites Europe had to offer and somehow couldn’t get past Italy.  She knew that at some point in her life, she wanted to go back.  As cliche as it may sound, that trip rewrote who she was as a person. 

She met Andy in college since they were majoring in the same thing and had classes together and after only 2 months of dating, got engaged and then married.  To this day, neither one of them have ever had a regret about getting married so fast.  When you know, you know! 

Jaycie and Andy spent much time talking about the course their lives would take and what they wanted to accomplish and Jaycie shared her love of Europe and more specifically Italy with Andy in hopes that they could go together someday.  In another “chance” circumstance (she doesn’t believe in chance), they were given money by Andy’s grandfather and decided to take a trip….back to Italy for Jaycie and a chance to share her love of it with Andy.  As cheesy as it may sound, it completely changed their focus in life, as it did once before for Jaycie.  So, upon leaving Italy after their dream trip, Andy and Jaycie knew that at some point in their life they would end up there.  NOt sure on the how and the when, but sure on everything else. 

A lot has happened since that trip, and we have grown and changed and moved and adapted, but one thing is still the same in us….the desire that we felt years ago is still there and we believe it’s for a reason.  We’ve had 2 beautiful girls since then who are very much a part of this dream, too. 

There’s a lot more that could be said, and some of it Andy has already covered in his section, but for those of you that know us, you probably weren’t surprised when we told you this was happening.  It makes sense, especially for us, and it means a lot to have the support of family and friends along this crazy journey.  So, if you have any questions, ask them and if not, just know that all the details in between don’t necessarily matter, but the end goal has always been the same.  Christ!!

Bella

Bella is our sensitive, sweet, very sincere child.  She wants to do the best she can and make everyone happy all the time.  She’s our little care taker and mother hen to her little sister.  Bella accepted Christ at the tender age of 3 and has a very mature understanding for a 6 year-old.  She wants to understand who Christ is and why he did what he did and why on earth he loves her so much.  The innocence of a child makes her the perfect person to go and do the job we are about to do.  She doesn’t understand shame or embarassment, only that she loves God and wants others to, too.  She is very much looking forward to Italy and is trying to learn Italian as we speak….she loves to ask you what your name is and tell you hers in Italian!

Gwynnie

Gwynnie is our second child….enough said.  If there is a rule, she will break it and enjoy doing it.  She’s curious and funny and too smart for her own good.  She enjoys seeing how far she can push the limit and isn’t afraid of the consequences for doing it.  However, if you catch her in one of her few tender moments, she’ll absolutely melt you.  She’s affectionate….on her own terms, not yours.  We’ve thought about how she will do in Italy and we honestly have no doubts.  She deals with anything you throw at her.  She’s not afraid or timid and isn’t afraid to get in there and get the job done.  If anything, she will be the one to stick up for Bella if she’s having a hard time. 

She accepted Christ about a month ago at the age of 3, also and very much wants to understand why Jesus loves her so much.  She has also said that she has so much Jesus in her heart, she thinks she needs to share him!