FREEDOM — TeamDockrey

What do you picture when you read that word - Freedom?

I’m sure lots of people picture the good ‘ole red, white and blue American flag or a scene of brave heroes fighting for our freedom.

Does anyone picture and even hear in their head Mel Gibson shouting with blue paint on his face as he runs into battle?

I’ll be honest, last spring was kind of rough, cooped up with COVID restrictions here in Germany. As the summer approached, I was eagerly anticipating the freedoms from some of those restrictions as we traveled to the United States. And, in that regard, Texas did not disappoint. It was very nice to have some semblance of “normalcy” and to enjoy some simple freedoms that we had been missing.

But, God continued to use this idea of “freedom” to teach us and tug on our hearts over the summer. It’s not news to anyone reading this blog that our world is in a state of chaos, stress and tension. You constantly feel like you need to choose a side on countless issues - it’s overwhelming to keep up. So, as we navigated our summer - trying to find some rest, continue to raise funds, meet with friends and family, and help out at camp - we found it so incredibly comforting that our FREEDOM comes from Christ. We don’t have to have all of the political answers. We don’t have to have all the theological things figured out. We don’t even have to walk this road in and of our own strength. Because of Jesus Christ, we are FREE to walk with confidence on the path He has laid out for us.

We are certainly thankful for the freedom to travel back to the United States each summer. The ministry here in Germany at Black Forest Academy definitely takes a bit of a pause while students travel back to their families, which is the perfect opportunity for TeamDockrey to get back to Texas and do all of the Texas things.

(Insert picture distraction of ALL the things this summer … )

Dash and mom enjoying some very large iced coffees ;)

Dad and Magnolia enjoying a good ‘old Texas summer rodeo

We had just a bit of luggage to deal with!

Working hard at Carolina Creek this summer!

Have you really visited Texas without a trip to Magnolia??

Another Texas classic: floating the river (and hiking up rocks while on the river)

A special place in our hearts for all of these peeps - it was a HARD summer at Carolina Creek, but always so so worth it!

At the same time, we’re super grateful for the freedom to follow God’s calling on our life to love on missionary kids here in Germany. It’s so cool how God works all things out and uses many of you to help facilitate this particular freedom for us. As His children, He does sometimes call us to hard things but what a joy it is to walk in the freedom He creates for us to do those hard things. Because He constantly sits on His throne, we are free to be who He’s called us to be!

Worship Team Retreat before school starts

Lance taking 2nd place with his German buddies in the local Disc Golf Club

So, whatever you might picture when you see or hear the word, FREEDOM, we hope that you know (like, deep down KNOW) the freedom that comes in a relationship with Jesus Christ. While the many trips to Mexican Food restaurants this summer certainly did not disappoint, the “freedom” to eat at such places pales in comparison to the freedom that Christ offers. ;)