On the Mission Field

I heard from an old friend today and it made me realize that it has been quite some time since I last updated my blog. My last post was centered on the many fears I was experiencing, but God has certainly eased those in very unexpected ways.

My husband is no longer seeking a job. The doors for his current field have all been closed. I was confused at why this was happening, but God has shown us another door. My husband is going back to school full-time to get a degree in nursing and his RN license. Never in our wildest imaginations did we ever think this could be a possibility, but God has plan for him. He returned home from his second mission trip to Russia only a week ago, and started classes the very next day. He cannot wait for the next two years to go by so that he will be done with school, have his license, and head off to Kenya for a medical mission trip. I am so amazed at the fire that he has for God. He has only been a Christian since September, 2006; but has such an amazing faith!

I am going to be going back to school full-time in the Fall to finish my Business Degree and become certified to teach. I have known for quite some time that this is the route I wanted to take, but was not sure when or how. God worked those details out. I have been a stay-at-home Mom for the last 7 years, so my husband's unemployment has made certain programs for re-education available to me. I only have 60 hours to go, so I should finish just about the same time as he does. I am still fuzzy on some of the logistical details, but I know that God will work those out as well.

I never thought that we would be "struggling" college students with 2 children at this stage in our life, but here we are. We had to drastically cut down our living expenses since we are both going to be full-time students for the next couple of years. I was afraid that our son would have to leave his private school and all his friends, but God has worked that out as well. I am so excited for his next school year to begin and I am even going to be the Room Mom Coordinator for the Elementary Classes. I agreed to serve in this position and prayed that there would be some scholarship money available for his tuition. God honored my dedication and provided a way for tuition to get paid.

The biggest change that we have had to make is where we live. For the last 3 years, we have lived in a great house in a very nice part of town. As of July 1st, we live on the Mission Field, literally. The apartment complex that we live in is safe and caters to people with small children, but it is income controlled. In other words, you cannot make over a certain amount annually to live here. The people who live here generally need lots of help to simply make it day to day. Several local churches do mission activities in our complex to help reach those in need. In the past 10 days, my kids have been invited to 2 out-door play days right here at this complex sponsored by a local church; and we received a notice that there would be free school supplies provided in the next 2 weeks if we needed them.

I had to pack the house and make the move to the apartment while my husband was in Russia on a mission trip. I questioned God's timing of this, but again He worked out the details. Seven wonderful men from our church and 1 special MOPS friend gave up an entire day (some a vacation day from work) to move me. It has been such a long time since I felt the love of Christ that strongly. Those wonderful people wrapped His arms around me and made me know that everything was going to be all right.

I don't remember God asking if I wanted to be a Missionary, but here I am starting my new life on the Mission Field. I do not know what else God has in store for my family and I, but I have a feeling it is getting bigger every day.

Father - Thank you for working out the details of my life in Your way. God I know that you have a plan and purpose for my life and I will trust in You. Thank you for the blessings that I have in my life, for I know they are many. I am glad that You have shown me a new way of counting them. Thank You for allowing me to experience periods of confusion and darkness so that I may focus on Your light. Thank You for loving me and providing for me. Please keep my eyes open for the possibilities that You want me to see. It is in Your Son's precious name that I pray. Amen.