Where did the time go?
This has been a different year than any I have had…ever. Here are some highlights:
*Our family moved to a place we had never been to tell people we had never met about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We said goodbye to English and understanding signs, people, and the culture. And we also said goodbye to our friends and precious family.
*We moved from an 1800sq ft house to an 800sq ft apartment. It’s close, but comfortable. I have learned that I don’t need as much as I thought.
*We left our car and began using public transportation. I love it! It is easy and convenient.
*I put my kids in a non-English speaking school. I have one that is just about fluent and I have one that has had a lot more struggles. She has struggled with having a lack of friends and not knowing the language, but she is a fighter and learning more each day.
*I have learned to shop for a day or two at a time. My refrigerator and pantry are much smaller and the food does not have all the preservatives so I can’t stock up on supplies.
*I am learning a new language and doing better than I hoped.
*We have learned that we can survive the holidays without family. Of course we miss them desperately but we can make it.
*We have made new friends that have become like family.
*Finally, the best thing this year is knowing that God is faithful to keep his promises. When I was 9 years old at GA camp and felt called to be a missionary, people told me I was too young. Then in high school I continued to feel that calling and then I married a man who also felt the same calling. Finally after 21 years, God fulfilled that calling. There is no other place I would rather be than in the center of His will.
Next year will be full of more changes. We will continue to learn the language. More family members are planning to visit. We have two teams coming from Texas to help us. We will celebrate our 10th anniversary. But the biggest event is that we will be transitioning to our permanent city in the summer. We are very excited and anxious at the same time. We have made some contacts and are ready to get started.
2011 was full of firsts and I am looking forward to 2012 and all that God has in store for us.
Editor’s Note: Pray for MK’s who are struggling to learn a new language and fit in to a new culture. Pray that this family would be a light to the people around them.
(names, locations and blog links omitted due to security issues; stock photo)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your wonderful council, loving guidance, healing power, sure sustaining grace, and reconciliation by the blood of Christ. Bless the missionaries who are in the will of YOU Lord, and their kids, and ours, forever. Thank you for preparing a final home for us in heaven. Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross–may missionaries enjoy their lives, and their kids, too. We look forward to one day when all the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Help us to plant re-producing churches faster and faster. In Jesus Name, Amen.