See that purty van behind us in the picture? A completely unexpected blessing was our friends O & H giving it to us to use while we are back in the states. And, you know what? It has sliding doors for our children on BOTH sides of the van. This is our first time to enjoy such a convenience, so we feel like we have "arrived" these days. The Lord is good in providing friends and even better to give us friends who are willing to sacrifice for us. {A big, public thank you, O & H}.
I am determined to get back into the blogging routine. This blog is my #1 way of recording these special memories and blessings for my children. Hopefully {for me}, my recent silence will be squelched.
Do you want to know how a family of 6 survives traveling on the road, how we pack, what we pack, where we stay, what we do as we travel, why we travel, what keeps us busy, etc...? These are some topics that might be worth exploring as we live this part of our lives over the next few months. Since this blog is also my way of giving our prayer partners a better glimpse into our lives and ministry, these topics will definitely give you a clearer vision of what we're up to these days.
Anyway, here are just a few words to describe some of my feelings the last couple of weeks...
Refreshed.
Encouraged.
Amazed at God's provisions.
Through all of these positive feelings, though, we find ourselves missing Ukraine and our dear friends there. Why, oh, why is it that the world has to be so big? And why does everyone have to live so far apart? Why do we always have to be missing someone somewhere... whether we are missing "home" or whether we are missing our "new home"?
So, do you wanna know where I'm sending my love from this time {or did you already catch on?} Not Ukraine. Not Israel. No... this post is being sent...
With Love from California.
Prayin for you as your travel. Enjoy your time! I can't wait to read of your adventures. Keep things in mind of furlough, and maybe you can write for the BMW blog with furlough tips and helps!
ReplyDeleteAnswered prayer! Safe journey and all is well. Now to settle back and hear all about that journey and the coming months. I'm ready.
ReplyDeleteI do feel like you're a little closer, Jolene! It's great being in the same time zone(well, almost, since you're in California!).
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing you this time you're on our continent. You all look great!
Enjoy the good ol' U.S.A.!!!!
Hugs,
Anna
Great to hear from you! Glad to hear things are going well. Looking forward to hearing more about your time in the USA!
ReplyDeleteOh, I have an article that I'm going to try to scan in and email to you this week. Remember that football game you saw in Israel??? Well, we got the college "magazine" from MBBC (my oldest daughter is looking into going there!) and they had an article about their trip to Israel. Very fun! :-)
So good to hear from you! Thank you for sharing...hope you're having a blessed time:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you're safe and doing well - you all and the situation in Ukraine have been on my heart recently and I hope you will be able to return soon, and without the cloud of uncertainty hanging over your lives regarding staying there. I've really been praying for the national leadership in those areas where missionaries are being forced out.
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance you'll make it this way during your travels? I'd love for my church to meet you guys (and if that wouldn't work out, I'd love for you guys to at least stop for a visit and meet my granddaughter!!).
Did you see my Facebook updates about Nyla? She's been diagnosed with breast cancer. We don't know much else right now, but covet your prayers.
Please stay safe, travel carefully, post lots of pictures, and keep doing what you do best - serving the Lord and glorifying His name!!
In Christ,
Bro. Garry
Glad you're back safely. Praying for you over these months...for traveling mercies and good meetings. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mrs. Z
Praying for you!!! Rejoicing over the praise reports you've shared so far and honored to keep praying as you travel and share HIM in the USA! *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteAah... so very good to hear from you... I can hardly wait to hear more of your "new and continuing" adventures as you all travel the long and sometimes "lonely" road... but with your family... I really do not believe that it will be "lonely" for long... Please take care .... praying and waiting.
ReplyDeleteNell
God is good in every country! Thankful He is NEVER more than a breath away! Your lives are touching so many around the world and it is such a blessing to have the technology available to see what He does as you go from one country to the next. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
ReplyDeleteI am praying God will accomplish much through you as you are here in the US and also in those places you have been this year, even as you are away!
Glad to have you back with us. I have missed our on line blog chats.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well and that the Lord is blessing you richly as you await His direction for your lives.
You are loved and prayed for.
Vicki
So glad you've started back on your blog! I've missed 'seeing' y'all! So glad to see how our Mighty God is blessing you already, and I cannot wait to see how he continues to bless you while in the states! Y'all stay safe on your journeys! Hope to see you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove, Stephanie Way
Cant wait till November!! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you back. I have missed you.
ReplyDeleteOh Jolene, I as so excited to see your updated blog post today! I have prayed for you and thought about your family on this adventure to the states, so many times. I will continue to lift you in prayer!
ReplyDeleteDid Brianna, receive her dolls before she left? Alisa and I, prayed about that a great deal! If not, I guess she will have a very special "welcome home package."
Just want you to know that you are prayed for and loved by your sister-in-Jesus, in Germany! Hugs ~ Sheri
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9