Open doors

Isaiah 41:17 "The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, And their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord will answer them Myself."

We continue to see God working in ways that humble us and turn our eyes and hearts to Him. Since we have been back home, we have had the great privilege of spending a lot of time with family and friends.  Sharing our experiences has lifted God up and guided us to new revelation of what else God taught us during our time away.  The breadth, width, and capacity of God has appeared to us mightily. He is truly the Alpha and Omega.

A "township" in South Africa

Sometimes love looks like painting finger nails.

One of the places that keep pieces of our heart  

There is always a new realm of understanding and experience that is just waiting to be found.  "Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened." There is no end to the seeking and knocking.  

God has also given us ways to earn some income while we work through returning to Robertson. Carolynn has been substitute teaching a couple of days each week, while a close friend connected me with an opportunity to help an expanding company transition into new office locations.   We have been staying in missionary housing in Hamilton that has been provided by some of our closest friends parents.  Our living arrangements have been a huge blessing to us. We thank God abundantly for His provision that has never been light. 

Ministry base in Robertson, South Africa

As mentioned in the previous post, our intentions have been to return to South Africa as soon as possible.  We feel God is guiding us to this next step and obedience is our goal. Though we don't have all the details figured out, we press forward.  God continually opens doors, making the path easier and straighter than what was seen at first glance.  Currently, we have plans to return at the end of March.  Communication with the mission base in Robertson helped to determine the best timing of our move.  We are applying for a volunteer visa so that we can stay for up to three years.  Though not essential to our mission, this would be a very helpful for our convenience, comfort, and overall effectiveness in Robertson.  If we do not get visas, we have to leave the country every 90 days.  With an infant that would be only weeks old, we are praying for our visas to be approved.  At first, applying seemed impossible within the timeframe we had to work with, but as we should always expect, God can make a way where there is no way.  Iris global has been very helpful in getting administrative tasks accomplished in timely ways. They have been working diligently to get a profile set up so that donations can go through the Iris organization to us. We will post updates detailing that as soon as we get word that it is finalized. Tasks to be completed soon are purchasing airline tickets, and making the trek to the consulate in Chicago to apply for visas in person. Prayers are greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing you all more before we embark on the next journey!  Please connect with us if there is anything you would like to ask or share with us!