Trail to Hope

God has done so much in our lives from that point forward, and, apparently, has more to do as we prepare to go. As much as we'd like to be there yesterday, we believe in His timing. Even as we see what He's done so far, we can only imagine what He has yet to teach us before we arrive.

Since we began that journey, our family has grown. Shortly after learning that we were approved by the board, we also learned that we were going to have a child. Adelaide was born that fall, and we spent a couple months adjusting to parenthood before leaping back into the support-raising fray.

Last year we saw our support surge from 15%, raised in 2009, to 54% by the end 2010. It's still been slow going, given the economic environment and the hesitation of churches to commit funds to any new missionaries, but God continues to remind us and confirm to us that He is leading, that this is the path He has for us and the calling He has put on our lives. Small things, answers to specific prayers, remind us always that He has our good in store.

2010 also saw our family unexpectedly growing again. We found out in August that we're expecting our second child, so we prepare again for what God has in store as we plan to go to the mission field with two young children.

An that's only scratching the surface of what we've learned. I haven't mentioned things like discipline in our finances, the importance and impact of praying together as a couple, the need to trust in God's provision, and the truth that no matter how much effort you pour into something, it won't succeed unless God blesses it. And - often - God brings us support from places we didn't work for or expect.

So as we look at more time here before departing, we hope in His goodness and fatherly care. He loves us, and will teach and prepare us to do His work. May we increase in our faithfulness to Him.