Here we go......

Still tons of things flying around in my head.  Thankfully most everything is ready to go.

So, here are some of the things I'm thinking about:

What will it be like to not be able to speak the language?  We've only ever been to places where we have been able to communicate and are somewhat familiar with the culture and have even served as the interpreters to facilitate communication.  None of those things will be true in this case. 

I'm excited to get the other side of the perspective, the "taking in everything" side of things.  See, I love cultures, I'm intrigued with languages, and I really enjoy traveling (packing, flying, all of it).

I'm thankful that we won't be alone.  God will be with us.  Many others (YOU) who are faithfully interceding for us will be joining us on this adventure.

Mostly, I'm overwhelmed with a sense of peace.  I've had this song we were singing last night in choir running through my head all day.   And I am amazed.  God has called us.  He has invited us first to a relationship with Him.  He has called us to serve Him wherever He leads.  And as we have followed Him, it has been absolutely clear that, for us, that will be internationally.  So here we go......

God, speak to us clearly. We trust in You.  We are desperately dependent on You. 

Spring is coming!

Well, while living in NE Ohio, I have truly begun to LOVE spring in a whole new way!  Spring has always been my favorite season, but after what seems to be an eternity of winter (complete with record snow fall this year and short, dark and dreary days), I have longed for Spring and am looking forward to it! 

We have new little green things sprouting up (daffodils I believe) and in all of this, I can't help but make the parallels between this season of our lives, spiritually speaking. 

It seems that even as we continue to walk through some difficult circumstances in life (infertility, the decisions regarding our future place of service), that there is a new hope that has come, like the coming of spring rains.  Our perspective has been renewed as we look forward to the beauty that will surely come out of it all, like the flowers in springtime. 

We would love your prayers as we continue on this path and soon will be exploring a few possibilities regarding our future place of service.  Pray for wisdom for us and for all those involved in making the decision.  And pray that we will continue to be surrounded by the peace that has come through our obedience to the Lord's leading.  Pray that we would have grace in these days.

I also wanted to include these two videos, which have been a huge blessing and encouragement to me lately.