Tate’s always been a very concrete kid. One of my favorite examples of this happened at a wedding last summer. Tate was playing ping pong with a 20-something guy and the following conversation transpired:
Ping pong player: Tate, you sure are a cute little man!
Tate: I’m not a little man, I’m a little boy!
Mark: He’s very concrete, he’s our black and white boy.
Tate: Dad, I’m not black and white, I’m just normal.
Case in point, no?
As we talk about our upcoming move, Tate’s been more and more insistent that he wants to hear God telling him that we should be moving to Nicaragua. We’ve had many conversations about us going because God has called us there, and we’re doing it because we want to obey (and as a bonus we love it there, but that’s not why we’re going). Tate’s totally on board with obedience; he sees things in black and white after all. We’ve been explaining to him that his trusting us to lead him in the way we believe God is calling our family is him having faith. He’s down with that, too.
But he still wants to hear God’s voice for himself, and I respect that. Tate’s life will never be the same after the move and I get that he wants some confirmation from God that he’s doing the right thing. That said, for a very logical and concrete child, it’s hard to grasp that sometimes “hearing God’s voice” isn’t audible.
So at this point, we’re praying and asking that God would tell Tate in whatever way he needs to be told that we’re supposed to be moving to Nicaragua. I don’t know how this will end, but I really believe it could be the beginning of something huge in his life. In fact, I know it is. I’ve seen how their little hearts are soft toward Nicaraguans and I’m sure that they will build lasting and impacting relationships there.
If you could please join us in prayer that Tate would hear God tell him to go, we would be very appreciative. God spoke to Samuel, we know he can speak to Tate. He also works through dreams and I believe a vivid dream could also be life changing for Tate.
God is in control, and we fully trust in his timing and more importantly, his care of the children he’s placed under our authority.
Thank you for your prayers!
Live Love Nicaragua 
That’s precious, Jenni! I got goosebumps reading your post. I look forward to hearing how Tate heard from God! It might also happen once you get there, ie a friend he meets or something that confirms that he’s in the right place. Love you! Hugs to you as you’re getting ready!!
Tate is in my prayers. I know the impact God has on the lives of a young child. As a 5-year old I had to walk a logging road and long driveway to get to the Kindergarten bus. Because my brothers were 2 & 3, it was a walk I had to take by myself. I can close my eyes and “see” me physically lifting my hand to take hold of God’s so he could walk with me. That knowledge of God’s presence and concern in my life has never left me.