Since Gino returned home from Central Asia, it's been a whirlwind. I think last week was the first week I felt like I could take a breathe and could reflect on all that God has been doing these past couple of months. For the past two years we have been praying for a miracle; that God would sell our house in a way that He would be glorified. For those who don't know about it, we are happy to share one on one the details. But there's a couple of praises I want to thank God for. First our house sold for what we needed, not what we wanted, but for what we needed. In our eyes that was a miracle as the house down the street that was fixed up and had a family room sold for a little less than ours. Praise God. Secondly, the couple that bought our house is an amazing Christian couple who have become friends and an encouragement to us. Thirdly we are finding ourselves blessed and enjoying being at my parents home. The kids absolutely love it of course and my parents have been so amazing. God is so good. I have been praying that this would be a time of good memories and sweet moments. While I realize it's only been a couple weeks, He is answering my prayers and I'm so thankful to all of you who have been praying this very same thing alongside me. To know that the time of going is drawing nearer, is bittersweet. The pendulum swings and I find myself swinging towards the side of sheer excitement over what God has for us and then swinging swiftly to the reality that my family won't be a stones throw away. And yet through all of this God keeps showing me that we will be ok. While we were in the midst of moving and trying to box things up and clean, God blessed us with such an awesome church family. I tear up still thinking about all the love, prayers and physical support we received. My parents were on vacation while we were getting ready to move and they were getting their own house ready while we were moving (which they've been a blessing from the start), but there were key people from our church family, Ana, David, Linda, Karen, Moriah, Jennifer and Scott and Jinelle to name a few who really helped us by watching our kids while we packed, helped bubble wrap things, and move stuff. That is what we needed most, babysitters. It is amazing how much can get accomplished when you don't have to worry about the babies. We were also humbled by all the prayers, all the offers to help and all the help we did get from so many friends. Thank you so much. You made this hectic and emotional season so much easier and I will forever be grateful.
So our house is sold. We said goodbye. There were tears (by me) and some anxiety and trying moments. But in the end I must say God is faithful. Because this whole time made me super dependent on Him and on His word. He gave us what we needed and He continues to do so. He is teaching my little family that home is not some structure we own. While we are here, it is us all together living and loving one another. Hebrews 13:14-15 reminds me clearly of that: "For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name." So my prayer is that I will praise God whatever stage of life we are at. Living comfortably or uncomfortably, owning, renting, in want, or in plenty, whatever season we are in. I pray through all of this others are encouraged and become closer to Him.
We have 64% of our monthly support raised. In one week we went from 54% to 64%. He alone will get us to where He wants us to go. We are praying for more opportunities to share and for more teammates to join. Thank you to those who have been praying for us. Please continue to do so.
May you see God's love this week and may you remember He is always there to meet your needs.
Love - Laura
