It has been so long since I have written a blog I hardly know where to start! For me, the last three months have been somewhat of a stand still blur. Between being too ill to essentially do anything except lay in bed and focus on keeping food down and then recovering from the polar opposite reality of miscarrying (more specifically having a D&C) as well as entering into the grief from that dramatic shift the only thing I know to say is: cling to Jesus. He is enough, He is ever-present, He is near when we feel alone, and He is so very good. These recent days are sometimes emotional and filled with tears, yet we truly are doing so well. We are daily in awe of how much we have to be thankful for, and are un-deserving of the kindness of our God to come rescue and save us. There is deep joy to be found in profound sorrow... and it is only found in Christ.
As most of you know these past few weeks have been filled with unexpected times for our family. We recently sent out an email update that briefly shared some of the outside events that were placed before us (the gallbladder attack, motor wreck, and loss of our baby). The day after we sent out our last email update our daughter was burned with boiling water down her leg and we, yet again, ventured to the local hospital here. Thankfully her burns were only second degree and are now mostly healed. We cannot communicate enough how thankful we are for your words of encouragement and prayers… it would be lying to say that these past few weeks have been easy, but it is truthful to say that He lifts our loads and makes our yoke easy and burden light. In the place of suffering there’s a God worth worshipping!
The new schedule for language classes/tutoring has been going very well. Both of us feel like we are growing more and more in understanding the grammatical structure of the language and growing in cognitive thinking and speaking. The classes at the University are quite extensive and challenging. It is an excellent program and already I see improvement in my comprehension. More than education I’m really praying for (and pursuing) relationships with my Teachers. My grammar teacher’s husband is an Islamic religion teacher at one of the many Mosques here. So often, while she is teaching, I think about God’s Sovereignty and irony in having a Muslim woman teach us (I’m in a class with three other people from our community) the language so that we are able to spread the gospel and worth of Jesus in this native tongue. Incredible isn’t it?
Private tutoring sessions, for my other half, are an excellent fit as well. Twice a week a tutor comes to our house for two hours each session. He also meets once a week at a café with a local who previously taught English and is very thorough in teaching correct pronunciation and grammar. When other locals eavesdrop on their lesson they come over with their tea and give much approval (in the form of ear to ear smiles and back slaps) to the language learning lessons. The time spent studying, speaking, memorizing, writing, and stretching our brains is so worth how exhausted we feel sometimes afterward. We keep our eye on the prize… being able to pray with our neighbors, or share with them about God’s faithfulness thru all circumstances, or declare that Jesus truly is the only way to the Father… all in a language they can understand.
Recently, before we fall asleep at night, we've been taking time to read the news. Lately the area that we live in has been consistently highlighted. There is growing tension as beliefs and ideals clash and wars continue to wage on. People are putting their hope in political leaders or ideologies, which will absolutely fail them. It is a fresh reminder that we, as Christians, must place all our hope in our King. As the world shakes its finger in hatred of God and the nations rage against Him our prayer is this: a remnant would arise with a bold and unwavering proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah: the lamb of God that was slain and worthy of all Glory, Power, and Honor. He is the only hope for redemption, restoration, peace, and true freedom. May He build His kingdom here… in every city, in every tribe, and in every nation.
Last but not least I just wanted to say... Thank you for taking time to read this post. Thank you for wondering how we are doing and praying for us. Thank you for sacrificing financially to support us. Thank you for emailing us to let us know that you care and love us. Thank you for being involved in our lives... we say it all the time but feel the truth everyday... we are so grateful for you, our brothers and sisters. We are grateful to run this race beside you until He comes in Glory. Amen.