Did your hands fly off the keyboard like mine did?! Ha!
Jeff and Stacy Hunt sent us this picture, taken in Paraguay (home of the Manjui Indians) where we lived for so many years. I think the nasty bugs are just getting bigger and bigger out there.
People always say that their fear of spiders and snakes is what keeps them from considering missionary work. What’s really funny is that when we would return to North America from Paraguay for home leave, people would ask us, "How can you live out in the jungle with all the spiders and snakes?" (I definitely had "Terminal Fear of Spiders Disease"!)
And I would reply, "How can you live HERE with all the human predators we read about? At least nothing out in the jungle is getting up in the morning and making plans to come after my kids!"
Here is an old picture of Shaun with a baby anteater – our kids loved growing up in the jungle! To my great amazement, I became more comfortable in the jungle with all the creepy critters than anywhere else in the world. But, Canada hasn’t been too hard to adjust to. I do really miss the sun, though…
It’s interesting to me that God gives us amazing grace to live wherever He takes us, calming our hearts and giving us joy as we obey His will – no matter what dangers are common to the place where He puts us. And that grace comes with obedience – whether He tells us to GO or STAY!
Peter has been working hard in the loft, finishing up the painting, and building a stone backdrop for the propane fireplace. Recently he finished grouting the tile floor on which the fireplace will sit. It looks really great! We are thanking God for the gifts that came in recently to make this possible. And thanks, Peter van der Heide, for the gift of the materials to do this project!
After Peter finishes fashioning the wood mantelpiece, he’ll put trim along the sides of the stonework. We are about ready to put down some flooring! It’s fun to think ahead to the people God will bring here, and imagine them pulling up their chairs to the warmth of the fire, or looking out the picture window at the beautiful scenery.
Currently, Peter has been working with a friend from church, John Bender, who has offered to make all the doors, windowsills and trim for the loft at his shop. This is another wonderful provision from the Lord, who is also giving them great times of fellowship together.
I have been studying and preparing for upcoming speaking opportunities – my favorite! Peter and I are grateful, too, for really good health.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and interest. We have been enjoying the people God has already brought our way, and are thankful for the opportunities He is giving us to trust Him and appreciate His promises.
With love and prayers for you,
Peter and Leah Humphreys
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