Hello everyone,
I can't believe it's only been a month since our last update. So much is happening so quickly as we prepare to leave Chihuahua and move back to the U.S.. If you missed that post, you may want to pause and read it before continuing on. (YOU CAN FIND IT HERE). There are so many mixed emotions as I'm sure is common with transitions like this. On one hand, we are excited to be with our families and to spend more time with the ladies in our families that are sick (see more about them below). On the other hand, it is hard for us to give up our dream and make such a drastic change so quickly.
Often times, following God involves just taking one step at at a time while surrounded by darkness. He gives us just enough light to see the step right in front of us. I think of God's promise that His Word "is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Ps. 119:105). He doesn't give us light to see ten steps in front of us. He often gives us just enough for our feet to take the next step of faith on the path. I'm not sure that truth has ever felt more real to me than it does now. So much of what lies before our family is hidden in the darkness of uncertainty. We know that we are planning to leave Chihuahua the last week of October. Beyond that, much is unknown.
But as we follow God step-by-step through the darkness, something so beautiful is strengthening our faith and giving us courage. We see His footprints before us each step of the way. They reassure us that He is truly leading us and preparing the way before us. For instance, we see His footprint of providing the finances we have needed to travel over the last few months. We see His footprint of providing a place for us to stay once we arrive in Colorado. He has provided a way for us to move our large furniture across the border to El Paso, TX. He has provided a way for us to sell many of our large items of furniture without even having to move them out of the house! We have consistently seen His footprints before us as we've followed Him.
One major prayer request involves another footprint that may be developing. I won't share all the details yet, but it seems that the Lord may have been preparing the way this whole time for the perfect person to take over Roca Norte. This person is visiting Chihuahua this weekend and is going to preach at the church. We are praying that if it truly is from the Lord, there will be clear confirmation among he/his wife and all of the leaders of the church. Please join us in praying for that.
We have lots of important prayer requests below. Thanks so much for your support and prayer. Even though you are far away physically, your prayer and encouragement is so near to us and such a help. We'll update you soon with what God continues to do. God bless you!
-Tim, Priscilla, Josiah, Hannah & Abby
Eph. 3:20-21
Praise Reports
-God is so faithful and we see Him opening the way before us as we move forward with this transition.
-Priscilla and I celebrated 13 years of being married last month!
-Josiah turned 12 a few days ago!
Prayer Requests
-Please continue praying for the health of the ladies in our family:
Susan (my mom): She continues battling stage 4 cancer. She just had her 3rd chemo treatment of this round. She has been feeling a little weaker and sicker this time around.
Bonnie (my grandma): She continues battling her cancer with chemo treatments as well. She was feeling better after the most recent treatment.
Aleyda (Priscilla's mom): Praise the Lord she was released to return home a few days ago! She still hasn't returned to 100% physically or mentally but she was stable enough to leave the assisted care facility. Please pray for continued improvement and for wisdom with at-home care and caregiver decisions for the long-term.
-For the pastor and his wife that are coming to Chihuahua this weekend. That God would make His will obvious to everyone by giving confirmation to the hearts of all involved.
-For our emotional well-being and unity as a family during this time of great transition.
-That Roca Norte would continue forward and thrive even without our family being physically here. That God would guide us as far as my role with Roca Norte (from a distance) moving forward.
-That God would guide us to the perfect people to sell both of our cars and to find a good home for our dogs.
-That God would provide a job for me in the U.S. and a car for us as well.