THIS Monday?!?!

We have a lot of training coming up in the next few months.  Intense medical training, cross-cultural training, language acquisition training, Bible story/Orality training, etc.  It is a lot of training that will span many topics, and it is be sure to be emotionally draining, as well as absolutely vital for our success on the field.  That's why we thought we might sneak in a vacation before we got started--a little time to laugh with the boys and enjoy some relaxing free-time with family.  That is what we thought we would do.

That is NOT what God had in mind for us.

Paul was on the phone yesterday (Friday) trying to set up our reservations for the month-long training we need in Colorado at Missionary Training International.  I had a trip to Guatemala planned for the first week of March, medical training the last two weeks of March, and an exploratory trip to our new people group in Guatemala in April.  So we knew that we needed to attend the May session to fit our full training schedule, not to mention our family trip this coming week.  Wouldn't you know, the session filled up and a waiting list was started all while he was speaking to the representative!  We weren't sure what to do, but then the rep told us that she had just gotten a cancellation.  "Would you consider coming in on Monday for your training?" she asked.  "THIS Monday?!?!"  

Well, it turns out that we would consider it.  And our advocacy team prayed and considered and recommended that we go.  So, here we are, frantically packing, buying warm socks and boots, gathering schoolwork, and trying to get all of our ducks in a row.  

Praise God for these opportunities to practice obedience!  Praise Him for adventurous little boys who never balk at a sudden change in schedule! And praise Him for a wonderful husband who steadies me when I might quake a bit in my (new hiking) boots!  I may be nervous at times, but I love that I serve a God who constantly stretches me so that I may be well-fitted for His service.  

I'll let you know how it goes!

The Volcano We'll Call Home

   

This is the Tajumulco volcano.  At 13,845 ft, it is the highest point in Guatemala and all of Central America.  Fun Fact:  That makes it a whopping 13,660 ft higher than our current home of Shreveport, LA!  Pretty cool, I think.  Many of you may know that Paul and I are moving our little family to the side of this [dormant, PTL*] volcano.  There are precious people there who have not yet heard that Jesus is Lord and we are humbled that God would use us to share this good news with them.

These past few months of praying and researching and praying some more have been wonderful for my walk with the Lord.  He has constantly reassured me in nervous moments. He has confirmed His plan whenever I have doubted. He has replaced my fearful spirit with one of adventure and boldness.  He has been a faithful lamp at our feet and, when we have cried out for more, He has shone a light on our path.

There is still so much that we do not know about what this new adventure holds, but we know that the Lord will be with us each step of the way.  He promises us His presence.  Matthew 28 tells us, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  How could we ask for anything more than the abiding presence of Jesus?

God told Abram to go.  He told him to leave his country, his people, and his father's household.  He said, "Go to the land that I will show you."  And Abram went, as the Lord had told him.  I am always so thankful to have these acts of faithful obedience to encourage and embolden me in my own walk!

This is our adventure in obedience.  I am excited, nervous, humbled, and, let's be honest, a little bit terrified!  I can't wait to tell you all about it!

*PTL-Praise The Lord