Simply Trusting

With the holidays that come with this time of year, the pace of life has definitely picked up. We’ve had several different exciting events already, with more to come. To start, we had an exciting Thanksgiving meal for the dorm the week before American Thanksgiving. Lots of yummy dishes, like green bean casserole, stuffing, turkey, and sweet potatoes were included. As we enjoyed the food and fellowship, and reflected on what we are thankful for, one of the biggest things on my mind was the fact that I feel more at home here than I ever thought I would this soon. To be able to sit at the table and talk and laugh with those around me after knowing them for less than two months; to feel like I’m fitting into the ways of the dorm; and most of all to find reassurance every day knowing that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I truly have much to be thankful for. I know that this post comes a bit after the fact, but I also want to say how much I am thankful for my family. Many parents h...

The thoughts in this post may seem a bit scattered, but this can of increased activity in the dorm which, in this case, is a good thing. Gradually, I’m learning my place here, among the staff, and with the students. One good word that describes my goals in being here is “Balance.” Balance in relationships, developing new ones in the community here, and trying to maintain those from the states. Balance in getting to know my students, trying to help guide and discipline, but also learning when to come alongside and just be a friend. Learning how to balance time, giving sufficient time to meal preparation and other necessary activities in addition to rest time and sleep. For experienced parents who may be reading this, you are probably thinking “Wait til you have your own kids!” I just count myself blessed to have a chance to learn from the students here. I’m learning that all of life is learning, and I’m grateful for a patient Teacher, and fellow students. I’d like to give you occasiona...

Funny how when you’re young, Christmas seems to take forever to come. Then once you get older, you blink and another holiday, month, etc.   is upon you. I’m very excited to be starting my third week at Sonne. Getting acclimated here has included getting to know a very special and unique fellowship of believers. They are open and accepting, and passionate about their part of the ministry here. I have also had some great opportunities to get to know the guys. This has gone a lot faster than I had expected. Whether it’s a little conversation here, a game there (I learned to play Risk this week), helping with homework, or whatever the situation, getting to know these people better is a continual joy. At dinner the other night I had a flash-back to my first meal here, and while it’s a good memory, I was relieved to find that I have become 100% more comfortable here. I’m really enjoying getting to know the dorm-staff here as well. While there is a definite variance in personality, the di...

As I sit at the desk in my room in Sonne, I can hardly believe that I’m here. The last weekend at home flew by, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to mom, dad, and the boys, and boarding a plane for London, then Basel. The flight to London was not as long as I remembered which is always nice for a transatlantic flight. When I arrived at London-Heathrow, I was a little confused because its huge, and it was also 6 o’clock in the morning. My flight to Basel left a little late because French pilots and other flight staff had gone on strike that morning, but we still made it to Basel in good time. I was very relieved when I had pulled all four of my bags off the luggage belt. It seems that the only time I have trouble with my luggage is when flying domestic in the US. Ironic. Marty Shilling, our dorm dad, met me at the airport after customs, and we loaded my luggage into the car. Thankfully, all of it fit! They have lots of great culturally rich traditions here, and I was introduced ...

It's funny to discover how God has directed our paths even when we didn't realize He was doing it. My pastor had scheduled a Commissioning Service for me during tonight's evening service on Wednesday, and we were thankful God had directed him this way when we found out I was leaving on Monday! Tonight's service was a huge blessing. A former missionary, and great student of the Word, gave the challenge to me out of Micah 6:8. This was very special because God had begun to use that verse in my life during the time at Csehy this summer. Now it's meaning is intensified for me.   " He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8  The first two commands pertain to dealing with mankind, and the last to my relationship with God. If God is first in a person's life, everything else will fall into place. This is my prayer as I enter this new phase in m...

Just when we think we know the extent of the workings of God, He makes us marvel yet again! As of today, my support has reached the point which will allow me to depart for Germany and become part of the ministry there. Lord willing, I will be arriving at BFA next week! In truth, the time since late July, when all of this started, has passed rather quickly. However, as is true when we wait for anything, I often became a bit impatient. God has been incredibly good every step of the way, which causes me to look forward to His workings in the future with great anticipation. His way is best, always.  Packing does not excite me (I don’t know why). The destination surely does. I’m excited to be in Germany, but for some reason the prospect of figuring out what to take and what not to take is a bit overwhelming. But just as He has been guiding thus far, I know His hand is in this as well. So just a few more short days and my life will have relocated to a new country, new people, and new re...

I have the opportunity to share with a ladies' group at my church this evening, and I'm excited! Please pray that I will say exactly what God would have me share. My church is my primary group of supporters, so I don't have to worry about whether they are behind me or not! Pray that people will be blessed and God's name will be honored. Still in need of about 5%, so please pray!!  Click here to donate online!