That’s pretty much a good summary of where my family and I were at this time last year (January 2013) as we stepped off the plane and arrived in Washington, USA!
We had lost our home in London, England and all our possessions, except for the four suitcases we took with us filled with clothes and some of the kids toys :).
We had lost my family (my parents and my three brothers). We had lost some very dear friends.
I in particular had lost our beloved church that we had planted in north London with all the precious memories that went with it. I had lost an exciting dream. The very thing I was living for was gone!
Most of all I had lost my physical health. I was suffering with Chronic Fatigue (or ‘burn out’ as its often called) the very thing that caused all this!
Not only that but I was spiritually tired and depressed. I had no desire for God whatsoever.
That’s a lot of loss but I should say I at least had my wife and my precious children. We as a family were still together, although with much to work out!
My Journal over this last year!
This blog is about my thoughts, questions and answers during this ‘desert’ season of my life. Many of the topics are excerpts from my own personal journal. These were precious moments where I learned to sit down, listen and talk with God about life. I hope there are people out there who will find this helpful and identify with the real life struggles that I have gone through over the last two years. I hope some of my honesty will connect with others and help them through what they may be going through. Most of all I love writing and sharing about the things that I am passionate about!
Christ our Hope 
mark i had no idea you and abby were going thru all of this !! im soo sorry !
Hi Mark, just want to say well done for starting this blog and hope it has some therapeutic value for you and others too. Healing from what you’ve been through can take a long time. God Bless you all. Nige x
Hi Mark
Sharon and I didn’t know about you problems or even that you had left London. But we’ve been praying for you since we met you in London with Bud and Shelly.
David. Frampton
Thanks guys for your comments! I am kind of excited to see how this story unfolds…
So sorry to hear you have been through such a tough time. God bless you and Abby and the children. Look forward to reading how God’s plans unfold for you after being through this desert
Hi Mark,
We think you are all amazing and know it must be so difficult to share your story but we know that God will and already is using it to glorify Himself! Praying that initmacy with Him continues to deepen as he walks this through with you all.
God bless.
Wow, thanks for your encouragement Chris!
Hi Mark. Thank you for starting a blog about your trials and experiences. I am sorry to hear you have been through hard times but I seek to learn from your experience as we begin our journey planting a church. God bless pal!
Hi Mark and Abby, had no idea you were going through this stuff. Sending you much loved thanks for the honesty of this blog post. I’ve just finished reading Tim Keller’s Walking with God through Pain and Suffering as we have been (and continue to go) through difficult family situations this past 18 months. But one thing I’ve learned He Is Faithful! Much love to you all from us both xxx
thanx Mark
will be following your blog, thanx or sharing
Hi Mark, this is extremely relevant to me and I relate a lot to what you describe so thank you! Since Sarah and I moved from Brighton to Derby about 6 years ago, I have also suffered from depression along with seizures on and off caused by stress. We also have a couple of boys, 1 also called Noah which cause a lot of the If there was ever an opportunity, I’d appreciate a chat.
Hey Jon, glad you’ve been able to follow the blog! If it would be helpful I am sure we could arrange a Skype/FaceTime at some point and chat.
Love that you’re able to give wonderful wisdom and encouragement from this when it’s all still so fresh. Miss you Mark.
Miss you too Bruce! Did you notice that I was referring to you in that last blog post?? I remember you telling me about how suffering is very close to God’s heart in Costa. Do you remember that?? We should FaceTime soon Bruce!!
Such a great way to redeem experiences that must have been harrowing. The Lord will (and is) using it for our good and his glory. I trust it is restorative for you too.
Mark, Your writings, though emotionally and spiritually difficult for me to read at times, are also a source of great encouragment and a strong reminder that God never leaves us to our circumstances. The ability God has blessed you with to tie your life experiences with His truths and His word is a powerful message of God’s grace and love towards His children. Thanks for the courage and love in writing this for others to read and be both challenged and encouraged by. Bob