Over the last 3 months God’s provision has been shown to us in ways I never imagined.

God provided financially in huge ways for us. Less than five months after our official application was submitted and less than three months after the first support letter was sent, we are 100% supported. From $20 to over $10,000, each donation has been joyfully accepted. Every part of our moving expenses has been provided for as well, through Frank’s business income and gifts from family members. At the beginning of this process, we knew that every penny was already accounted for by God. It has been amazing to see that knowledge confirmed.

God has provided for us emotionally as well through counseling, Adventures staff, and family members. We have both been amazed at the peace we have felt during this process, despite a few moments of panic. These moments typically happen when we focus on our needs and desires instead of God’s amazing grace and provision.

The icing on the cake is that we have a place to live when we move. We will be sharing a home with a Nicaragua couple who work for Vida Joven de Nicaragua. Those of you with high school students in your life might recognize that as Young Life. Language training starts the second we move in, as they know limited English and we know limited Spanish. We both look forward to learning the language and culture of Nicaragua from this couple. Frank was very excited to hear we would have a small air conditioning unit, a true luxury.

A few requests…

Please pray for our parents as we say goodbye to them. It will be the hardest for our mothers, and our hearts hurt when they are hurting.

Pray for the people we will meet and disciple in Granada. Discipleship is the primary purpose for our move, and we will be jumping into the ministry there.

Pray for the men we have been ministering to at Brother Bryan Park. The majority of people at the park have expressed happiness and joy, but two men specifically have mentioned us leaving them several times. Please pray that they will be aware of God’s presence in their lives and be comforted by the One who will never leave. Our small group has taken over this ministry, and we’re excited to see what God does through them!

Pray that we learn as much as we can about the culture, and that God would protect us from the negative aspects of culture shock. Pray that our minds be open to the people and that the feelings of homesickness will push us towards God and not away from him.

Pray that every situation, from buying groceries to teaching classes, be filled with opportunities to share the amazing grace and love we have received from God.

The adventure begins!

My mom called soon after this, and I was honest with her about where I stood emotionally. What resulted was the most encouraging phone call I have had with her. In 1984, she moved with her five children and the family pet to South Africa. Her husband had been gone for several months, and flew back to help her pack up the family.  She didn’t know what to pack, or what to expect, but she did it. She moved while her extended family told her it was a mistake, and that it wasn’t God’s will. And now she is able to tell me that it is God’s will for us to move, and that she trusts God to provide for us. She encouraged me in ways that no one else can, and for that I am grateful.

I am provided for.

Bekah and I have dreaded telling them that we were moving to Nicaragua but we mustered up the courage last week. It went really well and we left very encouraged – but at the same time our hearts hurt.

We have prayed for God to lead a group of people to us that would take over and love the people there more than we do. He has done that by showing and the best part is that it will be our small group of friends from our church!

We currently have 59% of our monthly salary raised, as well as all of our moving costs. The math is slightly fuzzy because we don’t know the total amount we will be able to contribute. It all depends on how many people hire Frank to do websites before we leave. Hint hint! Thankfully, he’s signing contracts on two websites this week, and there is a third website that has about a 60% chance of signing in the next three weeks.

When we went over the budget today, Frank and I couldn’t stop laughing. In that “I can’t believe this is really happening” giddy way. I know that people aren’t giving for recognition, but I am specifically amazed at the generosity found in our small groups and through both sets of parents. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to get to Nicaragua as soon. It is especially hard for our parents, as they know that their contributions get us closer to leaving.

We are having a hard time finding time for language training. Pray that we learn to simplify and focus our attention. I ate lunch at a restaurant and realized I can’t order a quesadilla in Spanish.

We are selling our car, a 2000 Ford Taurus, for $3500. It has 108K miles on it, a brand new alternator and battery, and is in pretty good shape. Frank keeps it clean. Let us know if you are interested. We will also be selling a 1996 Ford F-150 with 130K miles on it. Not sure of the price yet.

That’s about it. We’re purchasing what we need to move, and selling what we don’t. Our house is starting to look bare, and it’s even more motivation to get out of the door.

For the first time, I am experiencing “good days.” Days that are not dependent on circumstances to feel good about myself. Days where I am sure of God’s love for me, and God’s calling in my life. I’m maturing, and it feels good. The changes are noticeable. I smile more. I see the positive in those around me. I am starting to be freed of judging and negativity.

I say all this to explain to you the changes that are happening in me. Through your prayers, you are part of this. I’m filled with gratitude.

Check out some of the goodies we have listed:

• IKEA Expidit Bookshelf/Desk combo
• Breville iKon Multi-Speed Juice Fountain SOLD!
• PRINT GOCCO PG-11 Professional Printing System SOLD!

That’s all for now – but we will keep everyone updpated with new stuff we list (lots of IKEA goodies).