Benditos!

God is so good. So faithful. So wonderful.

We arrive back in Bogota early this morning so blessed! It's a series of small, rather quiet thing, but has been God's gentle way of saying "I love you" and "I will take care of you". Here's the list of the last 48 hours:

1- Financial support- Friday we received news that all of our one-time financial needs have been met! And more than met- exceeded! Fund raising for a living is a nerve racking, yet faith building experience. One that tickles the back of the mind saying "is it really going to happen?" "is this really worth the effort?". But then God provides and BAM- doubts are gone and God is working!

2- Travel Vouchers- Saturday morning we headed to the airport in Portland. As we were waiting at the gate, the gate agent offered $300 in vouchers is anyone would like to take a different flight. Since we had a really long lay over in LAX, we figured it would be an easy way to save some money for future airline purchases. We headed to the gate and within a few minutes we were booked for a later flight- still giving us time in LAX for our connection with $600 in airline vouchers in our hands. Thank you Lord for providing a little extra boost towards our next trip.

3. Flight connection- Our middle flight (LAX to Houston) was scheduled to arrive just in time for us to make our connection. Unfortunately we left LAX late and delayed our arrival time. This is my least favorite thing about flying- tight connections. While I went to the back to go to the bathroom I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask the flight attendant if there was any way we could be sure to make our connection. She said that the flight would know we are coming and wait for us, but she would be willing to ask passengers to stay in their seats to let us off the plane quickly. I thanked her and calmed a little. Turns out we landed at our scheduled time (!!) and the fligth attendant did make the announcement and many people let us through. Turns out there were a few other people making the same connection as well. We exited the plane to search for our next gate. Turns out is was right across the hall. Literally. It was only 2 numbers apart! We didn't have to run and it was easy. I breathed a sigh of relief! Praise God for the little things!

4. A ride home- We arrived in Bogota early and were shuffled through immigration fast. It helps that it was 5 in the morning and the immigration officer looked like he could use some coffee. Our luggage was first on the carousel (another benefit of a tight layover!) and we headed through the door with no problem. I called the family who volunteered to pick us up and they were just around the corner so within 20 minutes of landing we were in the car heading towards our apartment. I am so grateful to live and work in a community that helps each other out. I didn't have to bargain in Spanish for a taxi or wait for traffic.

Again, I am feeling blessed this morning! And with this view outside my window I leave you...

Northern Bogota on a Sunday morning

Summer update 2014

It amazes me that our time in the States is drawing to a close. We have been so blessed to share at churches, meet up with friends and family and enjoy the great beauty of the State of Oregon.

It is also overwhelming. Oregon is no longer our home. While here we live out of suit cases and our car constantly looks like we are moving. We gorge on delicious food, and yet still have to make sure to eat our vegetables. We have conversations with people but leave with a lingering "hope to see you next time we're around". Its a strange unsettled pace of life.

I ran across a blog post about 2 weeks ago that sums up the challenges living the missionary life. Here's a link. You can read it or not. Personally I have felt all of the points at one time or another. Communication with supporters is hard, but also a great way to constantly tell to the stories of God working. Asking for support is awkward, but a tangible way of seeing God work and provide. Loneliness is true and comes and goes in season.

That part though that hit me was:

7. “GOING HOME” IS A LOT OF WORK.

WHAT THEY SAY
It’s great to be back home.

WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY
Please understand, I now have two homes. When I’m at one, I’m away from the other, and there is a lot of emotion involved in that. On top of that, my life is absolutely crazy when I go “home.” I have to see relatives and friends, visit with partner churches, and take care of any number of issues that have arisen with my health, my electronic devices, and my government paperwork. Whether it’s a few weeks or a few months, I spend my time living out of suitcases and hustling from one appointment to the next. Is it good to be home? Sure. But when I get on that plane to go to my other home, I breathe a sigh of relief that life is almost back to “normal.”

My, oh, my- I know!

So, friends- our summer update is this: we love seeing you! We love that we live in a day and age where going "home" for just a month is possible. We love catching up on your life and seeing God work. We love visiting churches and worshiping in English. We are blessed. We are happy. AND we need grace extended upon us as it wears at our bodies and our minds. Understand it is good, but it is hard.

I will leave you with this: I am convinced Oregon is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. Not sure you believe me... check these out! (plus be ready for a full blog post upon our return to Bogota)