November 10, 2005

We have now been in Moldova exactly 2 1/2 years. What a journey it has been! I recently heard that the first 2 years of missionary life is the "ugly duckling" stage. Does that mean we are beautiful swans now? I don't feel I'm quite there.

As I reflect on the past 2 1/2 years, I realize that God has been our provider through all the ups and downs of adjusting to life in Moldova. I also realize more than ever how the prayers and giving of the faithful are so crucial to what we do. Each month when I see the list of those who gave (and give faithfully each month), I'm so blessed.

But I'm also blessed when people write simply to say, "I'm praying for you." Or ask, "What can I pray about for you?" Just as the gifts of support are so necessary to keep us here, your prayers are necessary to keep us, help us, sustain us and protect us.

That is what this blog is about. For a long time I've felt the need to put something out that lists our specific prayer needs. I'll also give answers as they come.

So I just ask--Please pray:

• Pray for our health--It seems we battle sickness in our family every winter in Moldova and that battle has already begun. Pray that we have a winter with little sickness and great health.
• Pray for Andy--He is teaching a class on the book of John at the seminary right now. The class meets every evening for 3 weeks. It is a tiring schedule for him.
• Pray for our schooling--I home school the girls. I love the opportunity to be with my girls in an intense manner, but it isn't always easy to be mom and school teacher. They are doing well, but pray that God gives me creative ideas and energy to keep up with them!
• Pray for safety in travel--On Sunday, November 13, Elissa and I will travel to Kiev where she will take the Iowa Basics Test. We covet God's protection as we go.
• Pray for housing while we are in the states--We will be back in the states in 7 months for our year of itineration. We would like to find housing somewhere near our family, which is in Maple Grove, MN. Nancy's parents are getting older and we are feeling like this is the year to take near them. Maple Grove has become a very expensive and we need to find something in the area for a reasonable amount. I know if we begin praying now, God can work this out.

Thanks for your prayers. I will try to update each week.

Blessings to you.
Nancy