Hey everyone! This will be our last stateside blog post. It’s unbelievable how quickly this last year has gone. We’re overwhelmed and encouraged by what God has taught us this last year. We’ve had so many good opportunities and have learned some valuable things as well. One of the things that we’ve really walked away with is a whole new perspective on trusting God. Now, before you jump all over me and start mocking me for thinking that I have it all figured out let me say this, I’m still growing, learning, and will always be learning what it means to trust God. But this last year has really felt like God has been refining us in this area more and more. What a blessing to know that we have a God who loves us and cares enough to teach us in these areas. Not only that, but continues to pursue certain areas of our lives.
Looking on ahead, we have a host church and host family already picked out for us. We’re really excited about meeting them. We can’t wait! They’ve also been looking into housing situations for us and so we’re very excited about seeing whats available and where we’ll be living. One location in particular sounds like it may work out. So hopefully we’ll be settled in pretty quickly from the time we arrive. It would be nice to have a home within the first few days or so rather than hanging out and waiting around for a place. It’s unreal to think that after 6 years of training, waiting, and praying, we’re finally on our way. Many of our supporters have recently said, “I can’t believe it’s finally here! We’ve waited for this moment!” And you can imagine the excitement we feel as well. We were able to get all of our packing completely finished yesterday. All we have to do now is weigh them out and get some directions to the airport.
We have loved this last year and the challenges it’s brought us. Make no mistake, as much of a blessing it has been, it’s also had it’s times of discouragement and failure. But God has been faithful through it all. And we’re trusting that the things He’s used the last 6 years of preparation will also help us transition better into our new phase of ministry in Paraguay. But it doesn’t stop there. Even though we’ve been learning and growing throughout the last 6 years, we’re confident that the trials and difficulties that God places in our laps in Paraguay will only continue to sharpen our perspective. After all, it’s God’s desire that we ultimately be transformed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Will He use our Bible School experience for that? Absolutely! What about training and fundraising? You betcha! And, can He use things like failure in language study, late nights of cultural confusion, and becoming someone that I’m currently not? The answer is obvious, YES! Our God loves us, pursues us, and wants us transformed into His image more than we even do. I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful for a loving God who desires so much for each of His children.
Thanks for tracking with us. We can’t wait to update everyone once we arrive and are settled in! Continue praying for our family and for whats ahead. Also, be praying for the unreached in Paraguay and the team we’re a part of.