One week till we move (again)

"I have known many troubles in my life, but most of them never happened." –Unknown

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." –Matthew 6:34a

Dear Friends and Family,

After moving 7 times in less than 5 years of marriage, we should be used to it by now. But it seems that every move brings up some of the same worries: How will we ever get everything packed and all loose ends tied up before we move? Will we be able to feel at home in the new place? Will we be able to build new friendships? How will Areli and Galilee adjust? Will so much moving around make them feel insecure? For me (Jennifer), this particular move comes with its own set of worries. I have to start learning my second brand-new language in as many years. I’ll be moving into a village where my husband has almost thirty years’ worth of friendships but I don’t know anyone. Not only do I not know them, but I don’t speak a word of their language or understand any of their culture. Hey, didn’t I already do this last year?

All that to say, the Lord has been challenging me with verses about not worrying, and I (and the rest of the family too) could really use your prayers as we get ready to move to Kalimantan next week. Pray that we’ll be sensitive to Areli and Galilee’s needs and have wisdom in explaining things to them. Pray that we won’t forget that moving and adjusting to new places and learning new languages aren’t ends in themselves–they are means to the end of seeing the Gospel and God’s Word in the hands of tribal people.

Please also pray that my (Jennifer’s) sister Julie will get her passport in time for their departure from the States (July 18). They’re planning to come to visit us over here. Julie applied for her passport over 3 months ago, but it still hasn’t come. The people she has been in communication with at the passport office say she should have it by Monday (the 16th.) We’d appreciate your prayers that it arrives in time. Thanks so much!