It’s Official
I am wasting NO TIME because this is the update we have been waiting literally years to give and it feels surreal that the time has finally come: Our visa’s have been approved and we will be leaving the first week of February! I still can’t believe I get to string that sentence together.
Five years ago, we surrendered our lives to the notion of potentially relocating our family to a country we had never been to and serving a people we had no relation with, all because God had put a stirring in our heart. He was asking us to walk in faith and trust that even though we were walking into the unknown, He knew and He would take care of our family. All He wanted from us was our yes and open hands. It’s been a very long, very exhausting, very limbo-state of life and faith-building five years to get to this point. It still feels bitter-sweet that it’s finally here. We are over the moon while still navigating the reality of actually leaving all we’ve ever known and being away from all the people we deeply love. But we know, even in our discomfort and growing pains, the Lord holds us and meets us in those hard areas. We do not have to shy away from giving Him the big, overwhelming feelings. In actuality, that’s exactly what He does want from us. And so in our last couple months, we will continue to lean into Him, just like we have the last five years.
Being Prayed for at the Mission Spotlight at Reality SF Church
Well, now that we’ve got the biggest news out of the way I’ll just share a few fun updates:
Reality SF missions spotlight - we got to spend a lovely Sunday at one of our partnering churches where they presented their new and long-lasting local and global missionaries to their church. It was such a good time getting to meet the other missionaries, more of Reality’s congregation, and it made things feel really real… scary and exciting at the same time.
Last 7% - the end is in sight for reaching 100% support! If you look at where we started, seeing we have about $400 left to cover our monthly-support is really something! Praise God
In the midst of all the excitement, we got to celebrate a very special boy turning 9 (how is our wee baby already almost a decade…) and a pretty great guy turning the big 3-2!! Jeremy would hate I told you all he had a birthday - he’s not one for celebrating himself much but I am so OH WELL!
The next couples month will be a whirlwind, I’m sure, while we celebrate one more Christmas season with our families, continue downsizing our belongings, trek on with work and school, and handling all the last few logistics of an international move. In the midst of all that, we’ll be making sure to take the time to rest, spend time with our friends, and really focus on the kids while they are going through the thick of this as well.
Lastly, if you’ve been praying about partnering with us or have felt “on the fence,” this is a perfect window to join our team. We’d be honored to have you with us as we step into ministry on the island.
Some very happy campers after finally submitting our applications! We were told we would have an answer whether they were approved in three weeks and we received an answer in TWO DAYS! Hallelujah.
If you would like to pray for us, here’s some specific things we could use prayer for in this season:
Our kids - please continue to pray for their little hearts in all this transition. They are like us adults: one day they’re excited for the new adventure, the next they may be scared, sad, nervous, etc. Pray they know they are loved and seen by us, by their friends and family, and by the Lord. They’re afraid people might “forget” them here in the states.
Jeremy & I - please pray for our marriage and for us individually because we know that when we are walking in the Lord’s will, it makes the enemy angry and he likes to pull out all the stops to cause division and destruction. Having a team to band with us to pray for even more & better unity within our relationship is vital.
Our families - we are blessed to have families that know and love the Lord and understand the work He has called us to but it doesn’t mean they’re spared the hardships that come with the territory. Please pray that they feel the Lord’s comfort.
Thank you for following along this last year! We hope our next update comes from across the pond! Until then…