In the Andes Mountains

We’ve come to January. After Holidays with our families, and not seeing much movement we have reached the moment of do we jump or find another way? Like coming to the edge of a cliff, and seeing that we could jump and reach the other side if we jump well. Do we risk it and fall? Or, find another way across?

Our Faith Journey Here

Since returning to Texas from Spain in November, we have been faithfully praying and sharing our story as the Lord leads. There was little change in November, as you may have heard from our prayvine and newsletter. As the year came to an end, we received a few big donations. Then, at the turn of the year, we now have two new monthly donors. It is people like this who are funding prayer and ministry to the hurting and people without hope in Spain.

Originally, we were told that we need to be fully funded before applying for visas in January before the expiration date of the invitation later. However, after a meeting with them, we are prayfully moving forward knowing that God will continue to provide as we step into the water.

What It has Felt Like

Each moment of this journey has felt like we have been free falling, expecting to hit the bottom at any moment. Yet, we find ourselves floating just before hitting the ground. Then, we move to the next free fall, again getting caught just in time. I would’ve (Blessing) given up long ago, but I have found no other way but to continue forward. This week with the boys we are studying about obedience because we love God, and oh how I love Him.

I am reminded of moments when I have prayed, “Lord, I do not want to give to you something that costs me nothing.” Other times, Kyle and I have discussed how staying here, safe and comfortable, how it would be nice but meaningless. Growing up on the mission field, I’ve come to realize the impact it had on my own faith and life and how I do not want to live safe and cost my children a strong and vibrant faith in the Lord. What does this look like? It looks like the past year:

The Past Year Recap

We started this journey in April as Kyle finished his last day at his full time job. We stepped into the unknown seeking God for direction as to which country and what ministry to partner with. There were calls, and meetings, and prayer sessions, and emails. The process was a two month process before meeting Isabelle and Elli via Zoom. The first point we had felt the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our calls. So, we followed the leading and agreed we would start the process to come work with them.

Through that, we have waited and the hurried up and waited more. We have prayed and sought the Lord. We have prepared our belongings as best we can. In October, we went to Spain on a vision trip. It was only in the last three weeks that we found a staggering statistic. That is that missionaries are more likely to stay in their mission if they visit before going. At the time, we did not know that and originally had no plan to visit before moving. God has been so faithful through this process. Listening to His whispers along the way and then finding the wisdom in them later. You can read all about our trip here.

As I started this post, since then we have been faithfully preparing within our means to go fully over. Thank you for being apart of our Journey! Because of your prayers, encouragement, and financial support we are applying for our visions and taking one of the final leaps of faith before leaving.

We will be joining Mision De Betel however we can serve with limited language abilities. Our main focus as first will be to fully aquire Spanish and learn the culture. Kyle will be joining the children’s camp this summer leading a few of the English Speaking children that plan to attend. So, there will be lots to do and seeds to be planted.

Looking back over our time in Sherman, I see God’s hand leading us in ministry opportunities here, some without us even realizing it. It’s amazing what God does even sometimes unbeknownst to us.

A few things I’ve been working on in my spare time are the Living Stones Study for Children, custom illustrations, and Cozy Reads on Youtube.

In the Andes

“In the Andes, in South America, the sure-footed mule is used to carry travelers [through the mountains]. Quite often a chasm must be crossed that is many feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. The mule will leap across the chasm, but not until it can make a safe jump.” from McGuffy’s Third Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition.

Friend, we do not have the guarantee of a sure-footed mule as we go to leap across the chasm. But, we have something better. The sure-footed faithfulness of a God who created the heavens and the earth. The God who is with us and nothing is impossible for. The God who promised a Savior for the world and fulfills all His promises. We go with Him, to His praise and glory.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20

So this is where I leave you. We are submitting our visa paperwork and waiting expectantly for the rest of the pieces to fall into place. Please join with us in praying for:

• Visas being processed
• Flights being scheduled
• Packing up our belongings, selling the remainder that we won’t be taking
• Full financial support
• House to Sell
• Spiritual Warfare
• Culture Preparedness and Language Acquisition
• Transition process as a whole

Thank you for partnering with us!

If God is stirring your heart today, partner with us. Your gift delivers Bible treasures to families, transforming lives for Christ in Spain toward our $5K goal.