Saturday, December 21, 2013

Back to Honduras!

Hello from Honduras! We arrived on December 4, and this is what the past few weeks have looked like for us:


Celebrations and Grief
November was an intense month for our family. My aunt Corie and my grandma had birthdays, my parents celebrated 34 years or marriage, and my brother came all the way from China to spend Thanksgiving with us.




As some of you know, Corie had battled cancer for 15 years. In October, her health suddenly and rapidly declined. My parents and I took care of her at our home for four weeks until she was moved to a hospice center, where she passed away on November 25.

I am deeply thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be with my family during those weeks and be with my mom when Corie passed. I am also thankful for many happy memories with her, gifts she gave me that remind me of her love for me, and the ways she supported our ministry here. I am also grateful for each person who helped our family and made Corie feel loved during the final weeks of her life.



Transition and Settling In
Our last few days in Washington were filled with last-minute errands and packing. This was by far the most difficult departure for me so far, but our trip went well from start to finish (although I hope to avoid taking any more red-eye flights during pregnancy!).

We arrived in time for Bible school classes in La Ceiba the week of December 9. I have had an appointment with my OB doctor, and everything is going well with our baby and in preparation for his arrival. This past Monday we moved to a larger place where we will have room for the baby and for family when they visit (we already had someone stay with us last night!). We have been unpacking and getting settled in, praising God for his timing and provision in each detail.

On the 18th we celebrated three years of marriage! This past year I have appreciated Fernando taking good care of me, especially during pregnancy, and also for his adaptability while during our visit to the U.S. One of the aspects of marriage I most value is that I get to be serve the Lord with my best friend wherever we happen to be!



A Time for Everything
Lately I have been reminded of the passage in Ecclesiastes 3 that discusses how there is a time for everything in life. This makes me aware of how much we need the Holy Spirit to show us how to fully live in the current season God has for us. As you and your families prepare to celebrate Christmas and begin a New Year, may the Lord direct your hearts in whatever He is calling you to and give you the courage to fully embrace His will. Please pray for us in this way, too, as we celebrate the holidays with our brothers and sisters here, and as we prepare for what God has for our family and ministry in 2014.

Thank you for being part of our lives and work! Merry Christmas!