Trusting the Lord

I went through my kitchen cabinets yesterday. I packed a few things to take with me and decided to give a lot of things away. I was a little sad to get rid of my stuff, but I am thankful that someone will get good use from it. I know that I will get what I need when I get to the field. Everyday, things come to my mind that I will miss when I get to the field. I really have to try to take my thoughts captive and balance the sad ones with positive things.

My Dad and I were talking about how good the Lord has been to us in the last couple of years. He has shown so much grace and goodness. He has provided in all ways. I told my Dad that because of how He has proven Himself so good, I can go to Egypt and have confidence that He will give me the grace to adjust and have joy. I pray that the Lord Jesus will help me to stay close to Him because I need Him so. I need him to adjust, and I need Him to have boldness to witness.

Getting Ready to Leave

Last Thursday we went to our mission board for our departure interview. Everything went well. I can't believe we are so close to leaving. Wow! The time flies. That evening my mom came over to help and we started packing some of the items we aren't using now. We packed eight boxes for our crate. Saturday, we left and went to TN for meetings on Sunday. They went well. We left from there and went to NC, where we currently are. We are at the Regional conference until tomorrow, when we go back home to continue working to prepare to leave.

Praise the Lord - All is well!

Thank the Lord my MRI results came back good, and thank the Lord for the trial. Before I got the results both of my parents told me at different times that the situation has caused them to have more peace about me going to Egypt. They trusted the Lord for good results and have been more at ease knowing what could happen to me. This is hard for me to explain, but I guess what they were saying is that they would rather me be in Egypt and healthy than me be here with them and have MS or another crippling disease. I am thankful that they have been a support to me and my family and have never tried to discourage me from doing the Lord's will. Please pray for them as well as for us.

David and I are working to get things done for our departure. However, it seems the more we do, the longer the list gets of things that need to be done. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. I am glad that our God is greater. He is greater than all we have to do, whatever we go through, whatever the world or the devil throws in our face. He is so much greater than us. I am so thankful to have a husband to remind me of this. I am so thankful to have a husband who leads and challenges me to follow and trust the Lord more each day.

Experiencing God's Strength

What a week! In the last week we have been to 8 doctor appointments. Sandy went six days in a row for her jaundice; Joshua went for an ear infection and trouble with his lungs (breathing treatments again for 2 weeks), and I went in for an MRI for some problems I have been having. In many ways, the last week and a half have been really tough. My hormones have been off, from having a baby, causing me to be more emotional as well. The thought of leaving my home and family has been difficult. I don't know how I am going to handle the packing and the move, but I know I will get through it by God's grace. Through it all the Lord Jesus has drawn me closer to Himself. He has shown me in many ways how He will provide, not just monetarily or materialistically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. It is so great to have a living and loving God who hears our prayers and provides all our needs, and usually our wants and desires as well. He is Wonderful.

I can't say all of this without bragging on my husband as well. David is so good to me and is such a good father to our children. He has been so patient, kind, and even understanding. When dealing with my health and other issues, I often find myself thinking that WE can handle it. I do not feel alone in life. I love him more and more everyday!

Our Newest Arrival!

Yesterday, God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl-Sandra Elisabeth. She is named after my aunt, whom showed great faith, even through the toughest of times when facing her last months of life on this earth. During great pain and suffering, she continually loved the Lord and never question Him or her salvation. Through her testimony, I realized my need for the Savior and soon after I was saved. Thank You Lord!

Sandy weighed 8.8 lbs at birth and was 20.75 in. long. She was very bruised yesterday due to a tough delivery. However, now she is doing very well, except for a little jaundice. Hopefully, we will be able to go home tomorrow, even if we have to take a light. We miss Joshua and are anxious to have the whole family together. We are blessed!!

Prayer

The Lord has been working in my heart and stretching my faith in many areas. I am so thankful. I was reading a book tonight and the author mentioned that the greatest gift we could receive as missionaries is prayer. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those across the country that are praying for me and my family. Only God knows how much of a difference it makes, but the Lord has delivered my family and me from things as we have been on the road, and I know it is because of those praying for us. I am trying to increase my prayer life to pray more for my friends and pastors' families and other missionaries. Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray as we get closer to leaving for the mission field (and extending our family:).

Aug. update

It's been a while! Well, we made it home and have traveled quite extensively. So much has happened. Joshua ended up having pneumonia and has gotten better. He is now 11 months and I believe he will start walking any day. We have also found out that he is going to be a big brother! The baby is due in the end of March! I am excited, but I am kinda breaking a rule of mine and wishing away the next few weeks. I am sick and praying that I will be over it by the end of my first trimester. With Joshua, I was sick for 7 long months. Well, we are headed to tenn now, and then w. vir., then to ga. Thanks for your prayers. The Lord truly has been blessing us!