I have two major praise items to share with you this week...both of which have brought a mixture of emotions which I will explain as well!
1. God has provided slightly over 80% of my financial support, meaning that I can now purchase my returning flight to Bolivia.
For many reasons this is great and leaves me quite excited...
It's definitely confirmation of God's will for me
I miss Bolivia
I can't wait to be back with my friends there
I'm looking forward to making empanadas with Avelina again
I'm looking forward to walking on sandy streets and riding public transportation (strange I know)
Lately, I have been craving Bits and Cream Icecream like never before
That's enough just to give you an idea
However, this is also somewhat difficult...
I will miss my family and friends (both old and new)
I love being here with my parents...I love this house and my room
I enjoy the convenience that come from being in the states
I can easily get my fill of ALL my favorite candies
There are still so many things that I need to get in order before returning
My condo still hasn't sold...what do I do with the stuff still there?
Again...you get the idea
2. God has granted a smooth transition for Grandpa and those involved.
Again...wonderful....
My parents had an uneventful trip getting there and helping him move in
The women who work at the home are very kind and sympathetic
Grandpa's family is excited to have him so close and are planning outings with him
My parents are feeling a great deal of peace that they haven't felt for a while
Also difficult...
WE MISS HAVING HIM HERE!
As you can see...changes are good, but they can also be hard. God doesn't ever say following Him will be easy, but He does call us to be obedient. The funny thing is that in the journey of obedience there is often joy! Please continue to pray for all of us as we anticipate my departure which I am planning for May 19. God has been faithful in answering our prayers and He will be faithful in comforting us during the sad times too! Thank you so much for your part in this process!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sorry for the delay...
I'm sorry that I have not updated my blog for a couple of weeks now...things have been a little crazy around here. I'll use this up-date to catch you up to speed!
I don't have much of an excuse for my lack of efficiency the first week, that was simply due to all of the studying that I needed to do.
However, since then there have been major happenings...the first big event was my nephew's first birthday on March 15. Although my older sister's husband was unable to attend, Janet flew to NC for the occasion, I was already in NC due to class so it was easy for me to be there, mom and dad also came down, not to mention most of Christopher's extended family were there! We had a wonderful time watching and laughing this delightful bundle of joy! There are a few pictures below of the happy occasion.
As you can see, we have had an emotional couple of weeks and this week won't be much better! Mom and Dad will be taking Grandpa to North Canton on Friday. If all goes well, they plan to return on Saturday since my Dad is flying to New Mexico early on Sunday morning from Norfolk! It could be difficult traveling with Grandpa as he still has a lot of weakness in his leg, not to mention emotionally draining for my parents. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much for your continued support!
I don't have much of an excuse for my lack of efficiency the first week, that was simply due to all of the studying that I needed to do.
However, since then there have been major happenings...the first big event was my nephew's first birthday on March 15. Although my older sister's husband was unable to attend, Janet flew to NC for the occasion, I was already in NC due to class so it was easy for me to be there, mom and dad also came down, not to mention most of Christopher's extended family were there! We had a wonderful time watching and laughing this delightful bundle of joy! There are a few pictures below of the happy occasion.
Janet and I stayed for a few days after the party to spend time with Emily, Christopher, and Wesley! That was so much fun! Janet has also started selling Premier Jewelry so Emily hosted Janet's first show and as a kickoff, the proceeds from that show were donated to my ministry! What a blessing that was!
About that same time, a decision was made concerning Grandpa given that he would not be able to stay by himself any longer. After exploring all of the options here in Franklin as well as looking to see what was available in North Canton, OH (which is where his biological son lives), Pick decided that the best decision was to move into an assisted living facility near his son, Dick. Given that he has lived with my family full-time for about 12 years and in the summers for several years before that...we are sad to see him go. God has provided many confirmations that this is the right decision, but he will be missed here. It will be especially strange for my parents as they have not truly been empty-nesters since before Janet was born...and even that was only for about 2 years. Please pray for this transition in my family!
Finally, I am happy to report that God has provided about 79% of my needed support! I am so close to the 80% and there are a few people from whom I'm awaiting a confirmation of their pledge. I feel confident that God will soon provide the full 80% that is needed for me to buy my ticket and then the remaining 20% needed for me to be fully funded! Praise the Lord for His continued faithfulness!As you can see, we have had an emotional couple of weeks and this week won't be much better! Mom and Dad will be taking Grandpa to North Canton on Friday. If all goes well, they plan to return on Saturday since my Dad is flying to New Mexico early on Sunday morning from Norfolk! It could be difficult traveling with Grandpa as he still has a lot of weakness in his leg, not to mention emotionally draining for my parents. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much for your continued support!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Counting Blessings!
I decided that I wanted to do something a little different in this particular up-date. God has provided so many blessings for me over the past couple of weeks that in this up-date I just wanted to focus on that! Join me in praising the Lord for His goodness and provision...even in the little things!
Within the last couple of weeks, God has provided...
1. about $100 of new monthly support.
2. several hundred dollars of one-time gifts.
3. safety in travelling across the state of Virginia and then back through the state of North Carolina to get home.
4. opportunities for me to study while I was travelling so that I could at least finish the work that was due for last weekend's class.
5. SNOW, while I was in Abingdon...it was the first real snowfall that I've seen in almost 3 years!
6. beautiful weather at other times...today it is about 77 degrees here!
7. opportunities for me to visit many friends and relatives, including some that I haven't seen in quite some time.
8. the chance to not only share about Bolivia with many of these people, but also to be able to reconnect and hear about what's happening in their lives.
9. all of the materials that I needed for my speaking engagement in Abingdon, just in time for that presentation.
10. many lessons for me through a book I was reading for one of my classes, The Cross of Christ by John Stott; it definitely impacted my life in a powerful way.
Well, I'm sure I could keep coming up with many blessings that God has provided for me, but for some reason 10 just seems like a good number! Thank you so much for continuing to pray for me...in the good times and the struggles! I'm including a couple of photos below that I took over the last couple of weeks for your enjoyment!
Within the last couple of weeks, God has provided...
1. about $100 of new monthly support.
2. several hundred dollars of one-time gifts.
3. safety in travelling across the state of Virginia and then back through the state of North Carolina to get home.
4. opportunities for me to study while I was travelling so that I could at least finish the work that was due for last weekend's class.
5. SNOW, while I was in Abingdon...it was the first real snowfall that I've seen in almost 3 years!
6. beautiful weather at other times...today it is about 77 degrees here!
7. opportunities for me to visit many friends and relatives, including some that I haven't seen in quite some time.
8. the chance to not only share about Bolivia with many of these people, but also to be able to reconnect and hear about what's happening in their lives.
9. all of the materials that I needed for my speaking engagement in Abingdon, just in time for that presentation.
10. many lessons for me through a book I was reading for one of my classes, The Cross of Christ by John Stott; it definitely impacted my life in a powerful way.
Well, I'm sure I could keep coming up with many blessings that God has provided for me, but for some reason 10 just seems like a good number! Thank you so much for continuing to pray for me...in the good times and the struggles! I'm including a couple of photos below that I took over the last couple of weeks for your enjoyment!
My Uncle Ed and Aunt Gay in Bedford, VA
The VA Creeper Trail, in Abingdon, VA
Monday, February 25, 2008
Greetings from Abingdon, VA
Hello there! I'm afraid I need to make this up-date rather short! I am currently in Abingdon, VA. I had the pleasure of speaking at my home church yesterday for the last Sunday of their mission's conference! I am also staying in town for a few days so that I can visit with friends and "family" from when I was young! It is always good to be back!
However, due to this, I don't have much time and I'm also using a computer in the public library that has a broken space bar so I have to bang it pretty hard to get it to work (but all of the other computers are occupied so switching isn't an option)!!! Given that, I think I'll just let you all know that I am doing well and that God is blessing me greatly through many wonderful visits as well as opportunities to get some studying done!
Thank you so much for continuing to pray! I'll write a longer up-date next week and will hopefully have pictures to attach then! Blessings!
However, due to this, I don't have much time and I'm also using a computer in the public library that has a broken space bar so I have to bang it pretty hard to get it to work (but all of the other computers are occupied so switching isn't an option)!!! Given that, I think I'll just let you all know that I am doing well and that God is blessing me greatly through many wonderful visits as well as opportunities to get some studying done!
Thank you so much for continuing to pray! I'll write a longer up-date next week and will hopefully have pictures to attach then! Blessings!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February 19, 2008
Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all those whom I love! It is special holidays such as these that I am reminded how much I am loved by all of you through your faithful support and prayers. Thank you so much!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions!
Sorry I'm a little late up-dating my blog this week. I got wrapped up in my studying and things yesterday, which meant that I lost track of time. The day was over before I realized it! Oh well...better late than never!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
Monday, February 4, 2008
February Already?
Well, here we are in February...unbelievable! Classes have started up once again. Last weekend I had Theology Survey II. It is taught by the same professor that I had last semester for Theology Survey I, which is a good thing, I really learned a lot from him! It was a good class, he somewhat jokingly started off class on Saturday morning by saying that we were going to spend the whole day talking about Christ! I can't think of a better way to start the day. We talked extensively about Christ's divinity as well as His humanity and the relationship between the two. This conversation transformed into Christ's death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course, since this was a theology class, you may be able to imagine where the discussion went next...Calvinism, Arminianism, and their views on predestination. All in all it was an extremely interesting class. Of course, I was equally excited that we got out early and I was able to make it back to Franklin by shortly after 8:00pm!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
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