July 2010

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Do you like to wait? For me, it usually depends on who or what I am waiting for! In my last letter, I told you I felt like I was ending one race and beginning another. Even as that letter was going out, things seemed to be changing by the day. Or in some cases, not budging at all! And now it appears that a brief “timeout” has been called. But in the midst of all the change and uncertainty, God continues to reveal Himself as sovereign and gracious. And in His goodness, He is also reminding me that I am absolutely dependent on Him for everything.

Because I do not have a buyer/renter for my house yet, and still need some information before submitting my visa application, I will not be starting language school until January 2011. While disappointing at first, it will give me extra time to work on my language study here as well as continuing education modules for my nursing license. It also gives some precious time to spend with family and friends that we did not expect. The recent months have been very challenging. I often feel like I am living 2 Corinthians 4:8a à “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair”… I am being stretched for sure, but by God’s loving hands and He knows what we can bear.

Please pray for:

ð My family after the sudden homegoing of my father

ð A cultural training program in Portland, Oregon, July 4-August 5

ð A buyer/renter for my house

ð A smooth transition at work for Renee, who will be taking over my position

Praise for:

ð A brief, but wonderful visit with dear friends at my supporting church in Alabama

ð Completing three of four training programs

ð Seeing anew the evidence of God’s sovereignty in all things

God is good – all the time!

Blessings,

Lori