all is not quiet

Although it may seem as such, ( because it has been silent on the blog) Actually the opposite is happening. It has felt that we've been busy since we entered Belize (and possibly before then).

the view from one of the hikes Nathanael went on (sporting his EMM tee)

I could list all we are doing, but I am holding out that "someday soon" I will catch up on the blog.  One thing that has happened since we returned is we have had a significant number of visitors: both Belizeans and people from the US. This is fun and adds to the schedule.  I am hoping to do future posts about all of our visitors!

leaving Belize

Today I am going to focus on something that I should not be writing about.  Before you begin to contemplate, let me set the stage.

Seeing an old friend and his new baby

 Back in March/April, Velvet Ashes had a feature post about Traction. (A retreat specifically for men in missions, see link for more information and a cool video)  Immediately I was excited. I spoke to Nathanael about it and his only response was "do you know how much it costs to fly to Switzerland?" I was excited because this type of retreat fit him to a tee. No note taking requirement, lots of extrovert time and of course hiking!

they rode up the mountain in this, similar to an incline plane in Pittsburgh/Johnstown area

I prayed about it and discussed it with people from our sending church Hopewell Christian Fellowship.  People there caught a vision and sponsored Nathanael to go. Once I had the go-ahead, I sat down and paid for his tickets. My mentor and I had a great plan to surprise him, however when Nathanael inspected the credit card charges (he does this every day) He asked me why I had  a plane ticket as a charge. The cat was out of the bag!

the table is set

Nathanael left Belize to be (very) cold in the mountains of Switzerland.  He was even able to reconnect with old friends. (Who had come to PA on an exchange program 10 years ago)

at the highest place in Europe

He attended sessions, spent time in small group and counseling time.  He hiked, interacted, and played Settlers of Catan in Polish. (Everyone spoke English but the game was from Poland).  Mostly though he rested and recharged in ways that he hasn't in years. It was a time of refreshment.

Nathanael and his friends at the highest place in Europe

We are so thankful to the individuals from Hopewell that supported us in this way. Existing in health allows us to minister in health.  (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).

signing cow

Next on the radar, and an additional reason I am mentioning retreats today, is my trip to Phoenix, Az.  I will be spending 9 days retreating.  It has been helpful to have our zoom calls weekly, I feel like I have at least gotten to know some people's faces that will be at the retreat. 

I leave tomorrow.  Please be praying for Nathanael and the family during this time.  We have a visitor on her senior experience until Monday. That will be helpful at Bible study and church this weekend. If you want to be praying for me, I have the prayer calendar downloaded, I am hoping I can attach it to the Facebook post.

Thanks so much for supporting us in this way! We are excited about what God is doing

this is a screenshot of the PDF. If you would like me to email you the PDF let me know :)

In case you didn't get the news...

December was quite a busy month for us. The first week started with a "bang".  Zion and Zephaniah slept at a new friends house. (some of their family traveled with Nathanael to Honduras) Abigail and Selah spent some  nights at a different friends home. Nathanael and I got up so early I had to literally hold my eyes open when I first woke up.

What was going on?

Nathanael and I spent 3 days in Texas. We have spent the past few months working to change our sending organization.  Joining with CTEN was an immediate blessing. We were welcomed with open arms. It was humbling to hear the story of a grass roots organization that grew from a few missionaries to over 400. Each and every missionary is supported by a pastoral care couple.

One of the most moving things for me was to be there during the staff prayer time. As an organization they weekly pray for their missionaries. This was confirmation to me of the choice we made.

We are excited to be on this journey as CTEN missionaries. At the same time we really value EMM. We were able to see that their presence in Belize (and former presence) was truly a foundation of our ministry. We would not have been able to do what we did without EMM. We will continue with EMM as associate missionaries.

What does this mean for you?

our ministry focus (Deaf ministry, education and access) stays the same
EMM will no longer be accepting funding for us.  All ministry funds must be directed through our page at CTEN. 
Cten is more flexible with the finances allowing us to be more flexible.

While in Texas Nathanael and I got to visit the Cross at Kerryville. These are the pictures we took on that visit.