Since the arrival of our third child, my life has seemed
like a bit of a blur. As my body healed from the delivery and we adjusted to
the 5th member of our family, we have continued to feel an urgency
to raise the support we need to be in Paraguay by October. But the Lord has
continually reminded me to enjoy these moments with my children, allow myself
to recover, and take each day one step at a time. I am totally in love with
Lydia Grace, as are Micah, Alicia, and Kevin. We could not have asked for a
sweeter addition to our family. Her black hair, bright eyes, and a gentle and
calm spirit delight us every day as she grows and changes.
This past week, we again were traveling but this time not
for support raising. God’s perfect timing took my granddad home on Sunday, June
24 at 10:30 p.m. The Lord graciously allowed my mom to arrive and spend his
last several hours of life with him. She sat by his bedside waiting for him to
pass from this life into eternity with Jesus. What a beautiful truth to know
that he is now at peace in the arms of Jesus. Though we will miss him greatly,
we are so grateful that he no longer has to linger in this hurting world.
The trip was wearing on all of us, as flights required us to
be up around 4 a.m. each time we traveled. The time in Virginia was a sweet
reunion with my cousins and my Aunt Ruth. We had not all been together in over
10 years. It was great fun hanging out in the hotel rooms talking and
challenging one another in a “typing contest.” The time we shared with Granny
was also precious as the great-grandchildren brought many smiles to her face
(the most any of us have seen in awhile).
After arriving home on Friday, we were completely exhausted
and have been trying to catch up on sleep since then. I have felt quite drained
spiritually as well, with a lack of time in the Word over the past week. Just
yesterday as I read Psalm 22 verse 27 really stuck out at me. It reads, “ All
the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families
of the nations shall worship before you.” As I meditated on this verse, my
thoughts were drawn to Paraguay. As the summer passes by quickly, my heart is
more and more eager to be in Paraguay and begin our ministry there. I will be
honest, it has been difficult to get one no after another when asking for
support. BUT, just when I least expected it, GOD surprised me with a supporter
who wanted to double what they were giving. Why am I surprised when God is
faithful? Why do I long to have the support raised NOW when I know it will be
here in his perfect time?
Today I was longing for the companionship of friends and I
found myself really missing my teammates in Paraguay. God has blessed me so
richly to already know and love those who we will be serving with. As I
struggled to give these emotions to the Lord, I meditated on Psalm 23. What
refreshment came from those words!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL NOT WANT.” He makes me lie
down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. HE RESTORES MY SOUL.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, FOR YOU ARE
WITH ME; your rod and your staff THEY COMFORT ME. You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; MY CUP OVERFLOWS.
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE, AND I SHALL
DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” Amen!
