We are home

On January 27th, Jeff and I made the decision to return home for a short break.  We need to purchase a 12 to 15 passenger van, take care of some things at home, several of the children need yearly physicals, and Jeff's Mom is having surgery.  We have been praying about when to go home and then God used our circumstances to show us this was the best time.  Please pray for Jeff's Mom this week and for Jeff as he travels to be with her.

Jeff and I had mixed emotions about leaving. We see how the Lord is using our testimony to change hearts and lives.  We are constantly amazed at the people in the US who have not heard that "Jesus Is REAL." They believe there is a GOD but fail to realize that they can have a personal relationship with Him and He truly cares about them.  We are surprised at the people who think that they have to accomplish 'things' , "clean up" their life, or feel they 'have done too much stuff' to accept Christ as their Savior.  We have a burden to tell people when they have a relationship with Christ, HE Forgives, HE works all things for His Glory, and HE changes lives They have to accept His free gift of Salvation.  They have to realize that they are in need of a Savior and He is the only way to an Joyfilled life on Earth and an eternal life in Heaven.  We have met many believers who live life feeling defeated, dishearten, and discouraged. We have had opportunities to encourage them, share God's Truth with them and point them in the direction of our only HOPE. God has used His people to encourage us, teach us, and bless us.  And in the middle of all of our ministering we have had the opportunity to see and do some things that we never dream possible.

Are we ready to quit? NO, we are just getting started. We are praying about where God would have us go next, asking Him to provide for our needs, and trusting that He will work out our circumstances to allow His Will to unfold before our eyes. We will use this break to seek Him and His Wisdom for the days ahead. 

Jeff was disappointed in leaving Davis Mountain State Park. We know clearly that God answered prayer in providing Jeff with the Park Host position. He was enjoying getting to know the people in the park and we were sad to leave. We feel God used this position to show us what a Park Host job is about and to show us that this is a direction that we need to go in the future. We realized that we need to apply for Park Host positions before arriving and then stay in a park for at least a month at a time. Before leaving, Jeff was offered another Park Host job in a different park for September until whenever we want to leave.  We are praying about this position. Jeff was also told that we were welcome to come back to Davis Mountain.
Just as much as we were sad to leave, some of us are just as excited to be home. (Well, all of us but Jeff. He is ready to leave today and would if we had a van!!) We have already had the opportunity to fellowship with our neighbors, play in the snow with them and enjoy each others company.  We have enjoyed our BIG beds, HOT CLEAN showers, and walking around without bumping into someone or something. The children are enjoying reconnecting with friends, and playing in their rooms.  I think they also like the fact that Dad and Mom are not constantly nearby.  We have enjoyed sitting down together to eat our meals. (On the bus when the weather is bad, we had to eat in shifts.) I am amazed that I am not the only one enjoying some alone time. I have found Melissa, Jacob, Katie, and Sierra off by their self reading, playing, or relaxing.  Jeff made the comment that he feels like he is on vacation to which Sierra replied, "I am okay in our HOTEL. Hotels are nice."  I agree it has been very relaxing being at home. I am looking forward to having a "Pajama day" this week. 
Please keep us in your prayers as we are seeking God's direction in several things concerning our ministry and our home.  I will list our prayer request on the sidebar of this blog as soon as I can.