Finding Our Way

Sitting in my drafts folder are several attempted blog posts from the past few months.  I have been absent from this blog because I have been unsure of what to say.  This transition has been far more difficult than I anticipated.  I have spent the last few months feeling like I'm stumbling trying, to find my way.  While we have experienced countless blessings in this time of settling into our new home and way of ministry, we've also struggled through some significant challenges, set-backs, and heartaches.

Josh and I are very emotional people, and we are used to deeply felt ups and downs in life.  This year though, has felt like an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions!  It has left us exhausted from the adrenaline rush and a bit shaken up and queasy . . . but with trembling legs, we keep getting back in line for more! ;)

This week my baby celebrated his ninth birthday.  His older brother was kind enough to remind me, that means his little brother is only one year away from double digits!  If you knew me a year and a half ago when T-1 turned 10, you will remember it was very hard for me.  So thinking about T-2 turning 10 was not a welcomed thought. However, as I sat reflecting on how quickly time passes, I opened up my laptop and found an encouraging email from our home pastor in Renton.  While we haven't regularly attended that church for a few years, they are our family and I am grateful to be included in church body emails!  This one was particularly meaningful.  Pastor Dan shared encouragement about the growth of their church then he referenced and included an email from my husband sharing the story of a "prodigal son" who came to Christ at one of Josh's ministry events a couple weeks ago.  Of course, Josh had shared that story with me when it happened, but reading about it again was a striking reminder of the significance of it!

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost, but now am found!  Was blind!  But now I see!"  Praise Jesus for a young man turning from addiction and running to the arms of the Savior.  As the angels rejoiced, so do I!  This is why we do, what we do.  There is nothing more important.

And so, as we continue to try to find our way in this new life, please continue to pray for us.  Pray for souls to be saved and hearts to be encouraged as Josh travels all over the western U.S. continuing the work of One Hope One Truth Ministries.  Pray that the boys and I will be a light in our new neighborhood, that we might also share Jesus with this lost and hurting world. And pray for direction in our day to day life, as we miss Josh when he's away, find our place in the homeschooling community here, and try to find a church home where we can grow and serve.