The Lord’s Purpose Prevails

 
In our August update, we shared that Amy’s post-partum depression symptoms had returned. Knowing she could not do well in mountain ministry while they persisted, we postponed our plans for two months of travel in the Midwest. When obtaining Mexican residency visas took longer than expected, Amy saw a doctor in Chihuahua – planning to seek a second opinion in El Paso. We published our last blog post the day before Amy finally was able to make that appointment.

Amy’s second appointment confirmed our suspicions: she needed time to rest. Her doctor worried that our planned construction schedule would keep Amy in a high stress environment, preventing real recovery. She counseled staying under treatment in El Paso for a time before moving on, expecting that we would see Amy improve greatly after a couple of months. With prayerful counsel from leaders and coworkers, we decided to accept this – yet another adjustment to ‘our’ plans! – as from the Lord, and move forward on this new schedule.

This season in El Paso has begun well. After a trip to Chihuahua to pick up visas and see family, we’ve remained here – working on paperwork, advancing house construction plans, homeschooling, and giving Amy time to recuperate. She is making clear progress – and although we will not solidify plans until she gets an official clean bill of health, all of the right things are happening. Amy is no longer overwhelmed, sleeps regularly most of the time, and feels more like her self than at any point in the last several months. We thank God for providing the means for her improvement, and clearly showing us the need to stop for a time and rest!

 
Quick Updates

• The food and money shortages in Las Moras have continued since our last update. Our team continues asking for wisdom in its response both to physical and spiritual needs.
• While in Chihuahua last month, we did indeed – as expected – finally receive the physical versions of our Mexican permanent residency visas. This is a huge answer to prayer!
• Since our last update, we celebrated two birthdays: Joel’s fourth and Lily’s second. We’re so grateful for another year with both of them!
• Do you need one of our new prayer cards? Would you like to receive email notification of these updates? Please let me know; we will be happy to arrange that!

Thank God with us!

• Amy is responding well to her treatment plan!
• For visits from family, and visas finally in hand!
• For a slower-paced season of life: the first in some time.

Ways you can pray:

• That Amy continue improving, ultimately recovering fully.
• For relief for in Las Moras, and that God use the situation to show the Nahuatl His sufficiency in their lives.
• For our continuing plans for house construction in Las Moras.