The Kids

So, today I thought we might look at life from the kids view.   Each kid has had their ups and downs and each one is equally excited.

We might as well start with Walker.  He has always been more outspoken about his fear and concerns, but when we made a pros and cons list he was very surprised to see that the pros out weighed the cons.  He is very excited to learn a new language, meet new friends, and as a young Christian participate in spreading the gospel.  The other night he had an amazing bible study in the book of Philippians and found encouragement and joy from Paul's letter.  He even made the remark that he felt like Paul was writing to him.   It really was an amazing example of God's love for each of us.   He has placed a sense of peace around each of us and is with us every moment. 

Mari-Madeline has been so excited from day one.  She has really taken to her Spanish lessons and finds joy in learning a new language.  She has had the fewest concerns of all and they are generally friends and family.   She is so excited to begin a new adventure that will forever shape who she is.  

Lorelai, well she is Lorelai.   She is a mess.  She has a very twangy southern Spanish and tends to make up her own words.   She has a harder time with transition than the other kids, but she also follows the lead of the two big kids.   She tells us all the time how big and mighty God is and I pray she will continue to feel His presence as we  move.

The kids have eagerly been finishing up their last bits of school for a few weeks.   They have been very creative in their playtime since all their toys are gone.  We will all admit to too much television these last few days, but with all the snow and wet weather we have done the best we can.  

Please join us in praying for our kids as we begin a new beginning and say good bye to the old.   The kids will be moving away from family and life-long friends.   Just this past week the kids realized that they would not be seeing their extended family members for a very long time and they all had their sad moments.   In the next few weeks if you around our kids, I ask you pray for them, but offer them a word of encouragement.   We are not brave, we are not special we are the same as you, we were just called to a different area of the world to spread God's word.  Moving is hard even when it is not to another country, but when we place our trust in God anything is possible and He will provide what we need.

Thank you to anyone who has ever loved on, taught or just had a special relationship with our children.  You have made an impact in their lives and I just want to thank you for that.

Encouragement and Prayers

Emotions are a part of moving and making changes, and so far we have had our fare share of them. For the most part we are all excited, but we have our moments when we are weary and tired. We recently started a study on the book of Philippians and to read the encouraging words that Paul sent during his time in prison is just humbling. I mean we are living a life of luxury compared to that of Paul during his imprisonment, yet he was able to send words of encouragement and joy to the church. If he can do that, then we can do anything God calls us to do.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

always offering prayer with joy in

my every prayer for you all...

Philippians 1:3-4

We have several prayer partners that are dealing with illnesses or other things and we just want to encourage you and to let you know that we are praying for you as well. You are a part of our family and we want to lift you up in prayer. We want to encourage you to communicate with us via email or comments or even a phone call if you have something you would like us to pray about. Yes, we are busy moving and yes, we will be far away, but we are never too busy or too far away to pray for those we love.

We still have our moving date set for February. We have a date we would like to leave by, but we are still waiting on paperwork. We are enjoying our last days here in the states as bitter sweet as they may be. We have begun our goodbyes and see you laters. Today we learned that some people we know would like to come do a mission trip where we will be living and that was like a hug for my heart. God truly listens to each and every concern, fear and worry and has taken care of these for us. I have asked for so much comfort and He has provided it all.

We will update you as soon as we know our moving dates. Please continue to pray for our paperwork and travel. Please, join us in praying for our families also. As hard as this is for us it is even harder for our parents and siblings. I know God will be with them, pray they have peace and comfort as they too begin to say their goodbyes to their children and grand children.