May is here with all its showers and flowers. It is finally a beautiful sunny day in Moldova.
A few short prayer requests today. First, we have a team here doing construction but also on the team is a Christian Counselor who will be doing some training for those working with the Home of Hope. Please pray for the training for this week. Pray for open hearts to hear and learn. Pray that the women who do the work will be knit together for the cause of the trafficked woman.
Pray also for the team as they work on a church project--for safety and good work.
Interns--we have several interns here this summer. We believe in interns because it is a chance for them to see what God is doing in another part of the world. BUT it is always extra work. Pray that God would help us as we try to steer them in the right direction when they come!
Teacher--We have a teacher committed to coming to teach the girls next year, but she is yet trying to get her budget raised. She is discouraged and unsure what to do. Please pray for God's provision for her in this. If she doesn't make it, I will be teaching the girls again next year. It is not the worst thing, but I have a lot of ideas of what God has for the coming years and it is hard for me to do anything besides teach the girls if I need to do that. SO pray for Corrina. Shauna has been such a great blessing to us this year, both in freeing me up, but also in having someone else in the girls' lives. We'd love to see Corrina make it here in July.
Thanks for your prayers.
Nancy
Monday, May 05, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Great News that waits
I've had great news to tell....I finally have all my permits, as does Shauna, our teacher. It is wonderful and such a relief in my life. I can't believe the weight lifted with that.
But the weekend just after I got the green card (a few weeks ago), Andy's computer crashed (really major bummer) and we had to send it back to the states. It should be coming back with a team coming in this afternoon. But he has had the majority of time with my computer, needing to rebuild some financial reports and other things.
Today he is out of town, in the South of Moldova so I have had good time to accomplish some things on the computer!
So, I thank you for all your prayers in this realm. It is such a relief and we feel we have now stopped running in circles and can accomplish something here.
Tuesday we met 2 women at a Rehab center who were trafficked. One was kept within Moldova and the other trafficked to Turkey. Both will come live in the Home of Hope when it is opened. As I visited with them I realized that the stories they share are so horrifying and only God can deliver them from this past. I can't share their names or specifics of their stories, but I can ask you to begin to pray for them.
One of the women returned to Moldova pregnant and refused to have an abortion when the doctors here said she should. She is due to deliver in the next few weeks. Pray that all goes well. This was the other realization I had. We will not only have a home for women, but also for a few small children. Pray that God will help us to help these mothers learn to raise their children and that we can give them the help they need while they care for their babies. (Another woman waits in a mother/child hospital for us to open the home).
Pray as the staff begins to come together to meet and we begin to train them. Pray that we can be as one in purpose.
Pray also for upcoming teams that we have coming in. As I write, we have a team at the airport in Germany, getting ready to board the plane to Moldova. This is a women's team that will do cleaning at the House of Hope (it is nearly finished) and will do ministry in other parts of the country also.
The first of May we have a team from Montana that will come and do a church construction project but there is also a Christian counselor on the team that will do training with the Home of Hope staff.
Pray also for interns. We have several coming this summer. We feel like it is part of what God has asked of us: to pour into those that will be the next generation of workers. Pray that God gives us wisdom and that their experience is positive and good for them and for us.
Pray for Sara...She was an intern with us in 2005 and now is returning as a Missionary Associate. She will be here next week and we are so excited that she is coming back to serve with us in Moldova. She is an awesome young woman.
Pray for God's leading for Andy and I. It is so easy to be busy here! It is so easy to run doing nothing but doing a lot. We want to run "in such a way as to get the prize". We want to do the things that really matter and build long term impact in this country. As I write this, I think that the Apostle Paul wrote the same, "I do not beat the air aimlessly". We don't want to be beating the air aimlessly, but are really asking God for his direction for us and for Moldova. Pray that He grant us the wisdom to do what is right.
God is so good and his timing is always right. There are other things today that I rejoice in the Lord for (besides Andy is getting his computer back), but I can't go into all of them. I just see that the Lord's timing is right and we don't need to be ahead of him or behind him, but wait for him to act at the perfect time. It isn't always easy when we are in the midst of the trials. I had a lot of sleepless nights waiting for my permits and uneasy days, but God is here and He is in the midst of all.
Blessings to you today,
Nancy
But the weekend just after I got the green card (a few weeks ago), Andy's computer crashed (really major bummer) and we had to send it back to the states. It should be coming back with a team coming in this afternoon. But he has had the majority of time with my computer, needing to rebuild some financial reports and other things.
Today he is out of town, in the South of Moldova so I have had good time to accomplish some things on the computer!
So, I thank you for all your prayers in this realm. It is such a relief and we feel we have now stopped running in circles and can accomplish something here.
Tuesday we met 2 women at a Rehab center who were trafficked. One was kept within Moldova and the other trafficked to Turkey. Both will come live in the Home of Hope when it is opened. As I visited with them I realized that the stories they share are so horrifying and only God can deliver them from this past. I can't share their names or specifics of their stories, but I can ask you to begin to pray for them.
One of the women returned to Moldova pregnant and refused to have an abortion when the doctors here said she should. She is due to deliver in the next few weeks. Pray that all goes well. This was the other realization I had. We will not only have a home for women, but also for a few small children. Pray that God will help us to help these mothers learn to raise their children and that we can give them the help they need while they care for their babies. (Another woman waits in a mother/child hospital for us to open the home).
Pray as the staff begins to come together to meet and we begin to train them. Pray that we can be as one in purpose.
Pray also for upcoming teams that we have coming in. As I write, we have a team at the airport in Germany, getting ready to board the plane to Moldova. This is a women's team that will do cleaning at the House of Hope (it is nearly finished) and will do ministry in other parts of the country also.
The first of May we have a team from Montana that will come and do a church construction project but there is also a Christian counselor on the team that will do training with the Home of Hope staff.
Pray also for interns. We have several coming this summer. We feel like it is part of what God has asked of us: to pour into those that will be the next generation of workers. Pray that God gives us wisdom and that their experience is positive and good for them and for us.
Pray for Sara...She was an intern with us in 2005 and now is returning as a Missionary Associate. She will be here next week and we are so excited that she is coming back to serve with us in Moldova. She is an awesome young woman.
Pray for God's leading for Andy and I. It is so easy to be busy here! It is so easy to run doing nothing but doing a lot. We want to run "in such a way as to get the prize". We want to do the things that really matter and build long term impact in this country. As I write this, I think that the Apostle Paul wrote the same, "I do not beat the air aimlessly". We don't want to be beating the air aimlessly, but are really asking God for his direction for us and for Moldova. Pray that He grant us the wisdom to do what is right.
God is so good and his timing is always right. There are other things today that I rejoice in the Lord for (besides Andy is getting his computer back), but I can't go into all of them. I just see that the Lord's timing is right and we don't need to be ahead of him or behind him, but wait for him to act at the perfect time. It isn't always easy when we are in the midst of the trials. I had a lot of sleepless nights waiting for my permits and uneasy days, but God is here and He is in the midst of all.
Blessings to you today,
Nancy
Friday, March 14, 2008
Home again
It is good to be home. The girls and I are all jet lagged. Andy is just tired because he has stayed up too late with us these first few nights, but tonight he went to bed. It is nearly 11 p.m. and the girls are happily playing Barbies like it is the afternoon!
I got back into the country without problem.
Someone we know talked to a Christian brother who works at the airport, who talked to someone at passport control. I was standing in the long line ready to wait my turn when a passport guard came out and said, "Nancy Raatz? Is there a Nancy Raatz here?" I raised my hand and he told me to come to the front of the line. He said, "Miss, do you know you have a problem?" "Yes, I do." "Do you know you need a permit to live here?" "Yes, it has been in process for 8 months now." He stamped the passports and gave them back to me. I thanked him and went on to the baggage claim.
That is the hand of God.
But there are always prayer needs.
We continue to pray for my permit and Shauna's permit. They continue to be delayed, but they are in process. Now we are told that the person who needs to sign them is out of the city. Last week I talked with a pastor who said to me, "Sometimes there are roads that are difficult, but we must walk them." I don't know why we have had such problems with these permits. I do know it is warfare and I do know it has been difficult, and I am thankful for all those who have prayed. But I do know that this is just a road that we have had to walk. I pray that soon things may be resolved and we can forget this stage of trial!
Please pray also for Alex & Mary. They have come to do an internship with us. Mary is South Korean and new laws make her have to get a visa before she comes into the country. They sit in Romania (working with ministries there while they wait) waiting for her visa to come through and then we must start the process for their permits to stay here. Please keep them in your prayers.
And pray for our team mates here. Troy, Heidi and Shauna have all been facing difficult personal situations. They are adjusting well to Moldova, but have other challenges in their lives and they need God's peace.
Please continue to pray for me and my family. We are doing well. It is hard to believe it has almost been a month since my mom passed away. Some days are okay and some are so hard. Please pray for God to continue to carry us through this time.
Pray also as we work to establish the Home of Hope in Moldova. I have one wonderful woman, Tatiana, that has such a heart for this ministry and has women she knows who are waiting for the home to be finished. We are within a few months. I went today and it looks so beautiful. Walls are done and we are just waiting to put the floors in now. I believe God is doing such a great work here and women will be touched. Pray for the work and the women we will touch and the women who will work with us to touch the others.
Blessings to you today.
I got back into the country without problem.
Someone we know talked to a Christian brother who works at the airport, who talked to someone at passport control. I was standing in the long line ready to wait my turn when a passport guard came out and said, "Nancy Raatz? Is there a Nancy Raatz here?" I raised my hand and he told me to come to the front of the line. He said, "Miss, do you know you have a problem?" "Yes, I do." "Do you know you need a permit to live here?" "Yes, it has been in process for 8 months now." He stamped the passports and gave them back to me. I thanked him and went on to the baggage claim.
That is the hand of God.
But there are always prayer needs.
We continue to pray for my permit and Shauna's permit. They continue to be delayed, but they are in process. Now we are told that the person who needs to sign them is out of the city. Last week I talked with a pastor who said to me, "Sometimes there are roads that are difficult, but we must walk them." I don't know why we have had such problems with these permits. I do know it is warfare and I do know it has been difficult, and I am thankful for all those who have prayed. But I do know that this is just a road that we have had to walk. I pray that soon things may be resolved and we can forget this stage of trial!
Please pray also for Alex & Mary. They have come to do an internship with us. Mary is South Korean and new laws make her have to get a visa before she comes into the country. They sit in Romania (working with ministries there while they wait) waiting for her visa to come through and then we must start the process for their permits to stay here. Please keep them in your prayers.
And pray for our team mates here. Troy, Heidi and Shauna have all been facing difficult personal situations. They are adjusting well to Moldova, but have other challenges in their lives and they need God's peace.
Please continue to pray for me and my family. We are doing well. It is hard to believe it has almost been a month since my mom passed away. Some days are okay and some are so hard. Please pray for God to continue to carry us through this time.
Pray also as we work to establish the Home of Hope in Moldova. I have one wonderful woman, Tatiana, that has such a heart for this ministry and has women she knows who are waiting for the home to be finished. We are within a few months. I went today and it looks so beautiful. Walls are done and we are just waiting to put the floors in now. I believe God is doing such a great work here and women will be touched. Pray for the work and the women we will touch and the women who will work with us to touch the others.
Blessings to you today.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Continuing
Life continues on. Somehow it always does after death.
Andy made it back to Moldova and is working on my work permit so then we can get my living permit. He says at this point the word he gets is that I can get into the country but they may give me grief at the airport. Pray we don't, BUT if we do, I'm instructing my girls that they can be free to break out into tears LOUDLY at any times. Moldovans hate to hear kids cry.
We made it through dividing my mom's things and have packed up a lot of it. I think that was the hardest part. So now we just try to deal with her "not being here."
I've enjoyed visiting every day with my dad. I know the time with him is limited too. So it is nice being able to see him daily. He is doing okay too. Yesterday he said, "I don't know what I'd do without the Lord."
Time to help my sister make dinner. Fajitas tonight and it will be delicious.
Andy made it back to Moldova and is working on my work permit so then we can get my living permit. He says at this point the word he gets is that I can get into the country but they may give me grief at the airport. Pray we don't, BUT if we do, I'm instructing my girls that they can be free to break out into tears LOUDLY at any times. Moldovans hate to hear kids cry.
We made it through dividing my mom's things and have packed up a lot of it. I think that was the hardest part. So now we just try to deal with her "not being here."
I've enjoyed visiting every day with my dad. I know the time with him is limited too. So it is nice being able to see him daily. He is doing okay too. Yesterday he said, "I don't know what I'd do without the Lord."
Time to help my sister make dinner. Fajitas tonight and it will be delicious.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Sunlight
Today the sun is shining brightly, but it is so cold outside and a blustery wind is blowing. Today in my heart the sun tries to break through the blustery cold....
It is a week since my mom's beautiful funeral, if a funeral can be beautiful. I'm told the pain of grief will last, but ebb and flow within my heart as the tide. Yesterday was not a good day, but a very empty & painful one.
But in the midst of the pain, I do want to say that I'm so thankful.
I'm thankful for a friend, Garry, who was called 2 days before my mom died to pray for our family. He did not know why, but he began to pray obediently and has been praying for us since.
I'm thankful for an incredible God who spoke to my dad the morning of my mom's death and said, "today I'm taking your lovely wife to come home with me." Dad didn't want to lose her, but if God said it, he was willing to let her go.
I'm thankful for the many people from the churches around here where my siblings attend that showed their love by bringing breakfast, lunch and dinner to us for over a week. We didn't have to think about what to cook, but just needed to look in the fridge and pull out what was necessary.
I'm thankful for friends who have written such kind words of encouragement to us and who have just been there to talk and to listen when needed.
I'm thankful that my family could be here with me. That the girls were here to mourn their grandma and especially that Andy could be here to walk through this with me.
I'm thankful for my sister and brother-in-law who have given us a place to stay while we are here.
I'm thankful for the great trip I had with my mom and sister last summer and for the times my mom was able to come to Moldova.
But most of all, I'm thankful for 41 years and 2 months to know my mom. I'm thankful for the godly woman she was. I'm thankful that she taught me to pray and love Scripture. I'm thankful for her love and I'm thankful that she wasn't perfect (except in giving birthday parties!) I'm thankful for phone conversations, even when I was so many miles away and I'm thankful for rapid air travel.
Please continue to pray for us. The rough road is not over. The girls are doing well, but I know they will have moments of ebb and flow too. I know that Lauren's memories of her grandma will become distant and that will bother her. These things are normal.
Pray for Andy as he returns to Moldova on Sunday and then tries to figure out our situation with the living permit issues. This is still in the air and as we try to find out what to do, it is different from each person we talk to about it.
Pray for my family as a whole as we continue to go through my mom's things and deal with what to keep and what to save.
Thanks.
It is a week since my mom's beautiful funeral, if a funeral can be beautiful. I'm told the pain of grief will last, but ebb and flow within my heart as the tide. Yesterday was not a good day, but a very empty & painful one.
But in the midst of the pain, I do want to say that I'm so thankful.
I'm thankful for a friend, Garry, who was called 2 days before my mom died to pray for our family. He did not know why, but he began to pray obediently and has been praying for us since.
I'm thankful for an incredible God who spoke to my dad the morning of my mom's death and said, "today I'm taking your lovely wife to come home with me." Dad didn't want to lose her, but if God said it, he was willing to let her go.
I'm thankful for the many people from the churches around here where my siblings attend that showed their love by bringing breakfast, lunch and dinner to us for over a week. We didn't have to think about what to cook, but just needed to look in the fridge and pull out what was necessary.
I'm thankful for friends who have written such kind words of encouragement to us and who have just been there to talk and to listen when needed.
I'm thankful that my family could be here with me. That the girls were here to mourn their grandma and especially that Andy could be here to walk through this with me.
I'm thankful for my sister and brother-in-law who have given us a place to stay while we are here.
I'm thankful for the great trip I had with my mom and sister last summer and for the times my mom was able to come to Moldova.
But most of all, I'm thankful for 41 years and 2 months to know my mom. I'm thankful for the godly woman she was. I'm thankful that she taught me to pray and love Scripture. I'm thankful for her love and I'm thankful that she wasn't perfect (except in giving birthday parties!) I'm thankful for phone conversations, even when I was so many miles away and I'm thankful for rapid air travel.
Please continue to pray for us. The rough road is not over. The girls are doing well, but I know they will have moments of ebb and flow too. I know that Lauren's memories of her grandma will become distant and that will bother her. These things are normal.
Pray for Andy as he returns to Moldova on Sunday and then tries to figure out our situation with the living permit issues. This is still in the air and as we try to find out what to do, it is different from each person we talk to about it.
Pray for my family as a whole as we continue to go through my mom's things and deal with what to keep and what to save.
Thanks.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
At the feet of Jesus
My mom went to be with Jesus Sunday evening. My best friend from High School said she thinks about that person now sitting at the feet of Jesus. It has been a hard day and we are still grieving her loss. But it is good to be with my family.
Andy and the girls will follow in a day or so. Please pray for our family and pray for all of those coming for the funeral. Many will be flying in over the next days.
I'm really jet lagged right now so I can't type any more.
Nancy
Andy and the girls will follow in a day or so. Please pray for our family and pray for all of those coming for the funeral. Many will be flying in over the next days.
I'm really jet lagged right now so I can't type any more.
Nancy
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sadness
I just had a call from my brother a short time ago. My mom had a very serious stroke this morning. She is breathing but not responsive at all.
As you can see from the former post from this morning, I am leaving already in the morning. But my heart is heavy and we are all mourning. The girls feel the great loss of their grandma. I feel the loss of the loss of my mother. She is an amazing woman.
Pray for Andy and the girls as they stay here.
Pray for my mom. Only a miracle will raise her up.
Pray for me as I travel that all goes without delays and I can get there tomorrow evening.
As you can see from the former post from this morning, I am leaving already in the morning. But my heart is heavy and we are all mourning. The girls feel the great loss of their grandma. I feel the loss of the loss of my mother. She is an amazing woman.
Pray for Andy and the girls as they stay here.
Pray for my mom. Only a miracle will raise her up.
Pray for me as I travel that all goes without delays and I can get there tomorrow evening.
This and That
My titles are very compelling, I know. I always struggled in titling my stories in school. Guess nothing has changed.
Tomorrow (Monday) I'm leaving on jet plane. I'll be back in just under 2 weeks. I'm going to Minnesota to see my parents. So very glad that I have this opportunity. I sit this morning with the same feelings I had before going to India. I hate leaving the girls and Andy. They will be fine without me, but I'm fine.
Every friend we have here has asked how they can help when I am gone. I have told them to check with Andy. Why is it that when the mom leaves everyone asks the mom, but when the dad leaves, no one asks? I have complete confidence in Andy, but I will miss them all.
My emotions are so mixed because I'm glad I can see my dad again, glad I have time to visit with my mom. We'll celebrate my parents 54th anniversary as an entire family and have a few other fun family functions. I'm so glad I get to go and then I also hate leaving. Mixed emotions.
Our living permits are still in limbo. Please continue to pray for this. Andy has his permit, but Shauna, our teacher and I don't have ours yet. Andy and our lawyer meeting with the boss of immigration on Tuesday morning. Please pray for that meeting. This has been such a crazy thing, but we are hanging on through it all.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tomorrow (Monday) I'm leaving on jet plane. I'll be back in just under 2 weeks. I'm going to Minnesota to see my parents. So very glad that I have this opportunity. I sit this morning with the same feelings I had before going to India. I hate leaving the girls and Andy. They will be fine without me, but I'm fine.
Every friend we have here has asked how they can help when I am gone. I have told them to check with Andy. Why is it that when the mom leaves everyone asks the mom, but when the dad leaves, no one asks? I have complete confidence in Andy, but I will miss them all.
My emotions are so mixed because I'm glad I can see my dad again, glad I have time to visit with my mom. We'll celebrate my parents 54th anniversary as an entire family and have a few other fun family functions. I'm so glad I get to go and then I also hate leaving. Mixed emotions.
Our living permits are still in limbo. Please continue to pray for this. Andy has his permit, but Shauna, our teacher and I don't have ours yet. Andy and our lawyer meeting with the boss of immigration on Tuesday morning. Please pray for that meeting. This has been such a crazy thing, but we are hanging on through it all.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Tuesday Update
Just a short update to say that I am feeling better today and the girls are all staying healthy.
Pastor Jeff was delayed in his arrival, but will be in this afternoon and Andy will leave to the conference after picking Jeff up from the airport.
Thanks for all your prayers for our family and our needs here.
Pastor Jeff was delayed in his arrival, but will be in this afternoon and Andy will leave to the conference after picking Jeff up from the airport.
Thanks for all your prayers for our family and our needs here.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
We are back
I get back from a trip and have too much to do, thinking all the time that I need to get back and say how things went. So, now a week later, I'm finally there, ready to write!
The trip to India was good. I learned a lot and came away with a lot of ideas for implementing in Moldova. The girls did fine and so did Andy & I. We all missed one another and they were happy to have us arrive home. They'd made paper ringed streamers which were hung through the hallway and welcome home cards awaited also.
I know many of you have been reading and praying about our need for staff at the Home of Hope in Moldova. On Monday, when I returned, I had a call from a young lady who I'd been told about, but had not met. She is interested and God has moved her heart about the trafficking issue. We had a wonderful meeting together talking and sharing dreams and callings from God. I can see us moving together in this. She is incredibly sharp and willing to work wherever the need is, so I thank God for this connection.
This past Wednesday Shauna, our teacher, and I were called into immigration. Basically, they were going to deny our permits, but our lawyer convinced them to wait until the boss gets back from vacation this week. The boss has said that he will grant them to us. (Andy has his permit, but we are still waiting for our permit). So I ask you to pray for this in the coming week.
Monday evening Pastor Jeff Anderson from Rapid City, SD arrives for the week for the Molodva's Pentecostal Union pastor's conference. Please pray that this is a great week for Andy, Jeff and others to encourage the pastors and also to help them to grow in their vision and leadership. Pray also that Pastor Jeff and his staff member traveling with him have a safe and uneventful time in travel to Moldova.
And lastly if you will pray for our health. I feel like we've had a very healthy winter, but last week Andy had a bug and the same bug bit me today so right now I'm in bed feeling very tired, but unable to sleep. Pray that God keeps the girls healthy this week. I keep thinking that 2 years ago I ended up with a mattress on my floor for all 3 girls the week of the pastor's conference as they were all sick at the same time.
God is good through all that we do and he is keeping us in his hand. We thank him for his mercies that are new with each day. Blessings to you today.
The trip to India was good. I learned a lot and came away with a lot of ideas for implementing in Moldova. The girls did fine and so did Andy & I. We all missed one another and they were happy to have us arrive home. They'd made paper ringed streamers which were hung through the hallway and welcome home cards awaited also.
I know many of you have been reading and praying about our need for staff at the Home of Hope in Moldova. On Monday, when I returned, I had a call from a young lady who I'd been told about, but had not met. She is interested and God has moved her heart about the trafficking issue. We had a wonderful meeting together talking and sharing dreams and callings from God. I can see us moving together in this. She is incredibly sharp and willing to work wherever the need is, so I thank God for this connection.
This past Wednesday Shauna, our teacher, and I were called into immigration. Basically, they were going to deny our permits, but our lawyer convinced them to wait until the boss gets back from vacation this week. The boss has said that he will grant them to us. (Andy has his permit, but we are still waiting for our permit). So I ask you to pray for this in the coming week.
Monday evening Pastor Jeff Anderson from Rapid City, SD arrives for the week for the Molodva's Pentecostal Union pastor's conference. Please pray that this is a great week for Andy, Jeff and others to encourage the pastors and also to help them to grow in their vision and leadership. Pray also that Pastor Jeff and his staff member traveling with him have a safe and uneventful time in travel to Moldova.
And lastly if you will pray for our health. I feel like we've had a very healthy winter, but last week Andy had a bug and the same bug bit me today so right now I'm in bed feeling very tired, but unable to sleep. Pray that God keeps the girls healthy this week. I keep thinking that 2 years ago I ended up with a mattress on my floor for all 3 girls the week of the pastor's conference as they were all sick at the same time.
God is good through all that we do and he is keeping us in his hand. We thank him for his mercies that are new with each day. Blessings to you today.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
To Travel
On Saturday Andy and I leave for a week in India. We will have 4 days of training on a new curriculum for aftercare for women trafficked in prostitution. After this we will have 2 days of Project Rescue Leadership meetings.
The kids will be well taken care. They don't get upset about us going and are looking forward to time with their favorite baby sitter, Daniela, and time with "Uncle Troy & Aunt Heidi", fellow missionaries on the field (and their 15 year old daughter). I am the one who always struggles with the leaving. I am the one who dreads saying good-bye.
When we entered into missions and attended our first School of Missions we gave our children into the hands of college age MK's and were told "now is the time to learn to trust. Over and over you need to put them into the hands of God and trust him for their care." I think of this every time I leave the kids. I am again learning to trust God for their care for the next week.
Please keep us in your prayers over the next week. Pray for the girls at home. Their safety and their peace. Pray for us as we travel. Our safety and our peace.
And pray that this week would be a great week of God speaking to our hearts about the future of this ministry to women in Moldova and that he would guide us and help us as we go.
Blessings to you today.
The kids will be well taken care. They don't get upset about us going and are looking forward to time with their favorite baby sitter, Daniela, and time with "Uncle Troy & Aunt Heidi", fellow missionaries on the field (and their 15 year old daughter). I am the one who always struggles with the leaving. I am the one who dreads saying good-bye.
When we entered into missions and attended our first School of Missions we gave our children into the hands of college age MK's and were told "now is the time to learn to trust. Over and over you need to put them into the hands of God and trust him for their care." I think of this every time I leave the kids. I am again learning to trust God for their care for the next week.
Please keep us in your prayers over the next week. Pray for the girls at home. Their safety and their peace. Pray for us as we travel. Our safety and our peace.
And pray that this week would be a great week of God speaking to our hearts about the future of this ministry to women in Moldova and that he would guide us and help us as we go.
Blessings to you today.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Prayer for the New Year
We are now 4 days into the New Year. Here that means it is very cold and icy, but we are glad to have a warm roof over our heads!
I have a few things to ask you to pray for as we start this year.
1. Our living permits are still in waiting. We were told to wait until January and that is here, but now the offices are closed to we are waiting. Pray that now they come through without problem.
2. House of Hope staffing. I need to find the right people work in this home, especially the director. Please pray for that.
3. Continue to pray for my parents. My dad has moved into the care home and it is hard on both of my parents to be apart even when it was so hard for my mom when they were together. Continue to pray that God's peace would reign over them in this time of transition and great change in their lives.
Have a wonderful New Year.
I have a few things to ask you to pray for as we start this year.
1. Our living permits are still in waiting. We were told to wait until January and that is here, but now the offices are closed to we are waiting. Pray that now they come through without problem.
2. House of Hope staffing. I need to find the right people work in this home, especially the director. Please pray for that.
3. Continue to pray for my parents. My dad has moved into the care home and it is hard on both of my parents to be apart even when it was so hard for my mom when they were together. Continue to pray that God's peace would reign over them in this time of transition and great change in their lives.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Family Time
We had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. This week we are just enjoying time as a family and at home. It is a nice time. As I look out our village, the trees are covered in hoarfrost and the thick fog covers all the houses. But it is beautiful to be inside and relaxing.
Please pray this week for my family. My dad will be moved to a Alzheimer's care unit on the 2nd of January. This is a hard for the whole family but especially my mom. So please be in prayer all of the family. My dad has been told, but he really doesn't remember or understand at this point.
Thanks for your prayers.
Please pray this week for my family. My dad will be moved to a Alzheimer's care unit on the 2nd of January. This is a hard for the whole family but especially my mom. So please be in prayer all of the family. My dad has been told, but he really doesn't remember or understand at this point.
Thanks for your prayers.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
My Day
In Romanian a birthday is referred to as "Your Day". Today is My Day.
Someone asked if the girls were excited for Christmas. Not until tomorrow. They have to get past my birthday on the 16th each year and then they can be excited for Christmas.
With a December birthday people always wonder if the celebration gets lost in the Christmas celebration. Never. Not with Elissa, Natalie and Lauren. The youngest two woke me up bounding on my bed, sang "Happy Birthday" and snuggled nicely. Elissa presented me with a card first thing when she got up.
We had a nice day and their dad helped buy the nice gifts that they presented me this evening. It was a lot of un. So tomorrow, since it won't be my day any longer, we'll try to get Christmas shaping up around here.
Someone asked if the girls were excited for Christmas. Not until tomorrow. They have to get past my birthday on the 16th each year and then they can be excited for Christmas.
With a December birthday people always wonder if the celebration gets lost in the Christmas celebration. Never. Not with Elissa, Natalie and Lauren. The youngest two woke me up bounding on my bed, sang "Happy Birthday" and snuggled nicely. Elissa presented me with a card first thing when she got up.
We had a nice day and their dad helped buy the nice gifts that they presented me this evening. It was a lot of un. So tomorrow, since it won't be my day any longer, we'll try to get Christmas shaping up around here.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
New Beds
A week ago the container was released. I have been busy unpacking for the last week, putting things in place. The first night we had our bed set up and Elissa just slept on her bed on the floor. Natalie and Lauren got theirs the next day. We have been sleeping wonderfully ever since.
I could do a commercial for Simmons Beauty Rest. I haven't slept well for years and had constant sore backs, but no more. Before the new mattresses Andy said, "we never need to set an alarm any longer". True. We'd wake at 5 and get up at 6 with ease. Today we definitely know we have to start setting an alarm because we overslept again. Oops.
Thanks Frank and Robin for the blessing of the discount to make these affordable for us!
Our Christmas tree was also in the container so now that is up and we'll finish decorating it in the next few days.
So these little joys in life are wonderful. But please continue to keep our family in prayer. There are still many roadblocks ahead in our life here. We know we are called here and that God will make the way.
Besides the container and permits there are many other little things and the girls are happy to be back, but they also miss life and church in America in a way they have not before. So they are still working to adjust.
The other day a friend from Finland wrote these words, "It is a new day - though here in the north so dark with rarely any ray of light on the horizon for weeks now - and truly comforting to know that His grace is sufficient."
I feel like these words are true to our lives, although we do not have the physical darkness of December in the far north, we have had a darkness in the battles of the spirit. But it is comforting to know, as Marja wrote, that His grace is sufficient for each new day. There is a beauty and peace in knowing we serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who watches out for us and cares for all our needs.
Be blessed today.
I could do a commercial for Simmons Beauty Rest. I haven't slept well for years and had constant sore backs, but no more. Before the new mattresses Andy said, "we never need to set an alarm any longer". True. We'd wake at 5 and get up at 6 with ease. Today we definitely know we have to start setting an alarm because we overslept again. Oops.
Thanks Frank and Robin for the blessing of the discount to make these affordable for us!
Our Christmas tree was also in the container so now that is up and we'll finish decorating it in the next few days.
So these little joys in life are wonderful. But please continue to keep our family in prayer. There are still many roadblocks ahead in our life here. We know we are called here and that God will make the way.
Besides the container and permits there are many other little things and the girls are happy to be back, but they also miss life and church in America in a way they have not before. So they are still working to adjust.
The other day a friend from Finland wrote these words, "It is a new day - though here in the north so dark with rarely any ray of light on the horizon for weeks now - and truly comforting to know that His grace is sufficient."
I feel like these words are true to our lives, although we do not have the physical darkness of December in the far north, we have had a darkness in the battles of the spirit. But it is comforting to know, as Marja wrote, that His grace is sufficient for each new day. There is a beauty and peace in knowing we serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who watches out for us and cares for all our needs.
Be blessed today.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving day
Our table will be spread with Ocean Spray Cranberries, which I found yesterday. We have fresh sweet potatoes, which someone graciously brought us from the states. There will be potatoes and dressing, gravy and beans and a skinny village turkey who gave his life for us yesterday. His lack of size will be supplemented with roast chicken. Even without the Butterball it is STILL very much Thanksgiving Day.
So many forget the thankfulness of the day and only focus on the turkey. And the tradition of America is a great meal set on the table this day in November.
But today amidst the craziness of our lives, I'm glad for a day to stop and give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for today.
First is God's great gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. That is amazing. I'm thankful for His Holy Spirit who intercedes for us when we don't have the words to do so and comforts us with a peace that passes all understanding.
I'm thankful that God called me to Moldova and gives me the great privilege of serving Him here.
I'm thankful for a wonderful husband and three wonderful girls who also love to live and serve in Moldova.
I'm thankful for Shauna, who has given this year to teach our girls, freeing my time.
I'm thankful for all of those who have given to build the Home of Hope and I'm thankful for Misha, Victor, Valentin and the rest of the crew over there that are doing such a beautiful job constructing the home. They give of their time (even if it is a job) so willingly and stay in the home, even still, when the heat is not quite yet in!
I'm thankful for each one who supports us in giving and in prayer.
I'm thankful for our health and our strength for each new day.
God has blessed us so much and it is good to stop and Thank him for all the blessings, even if the turkey has exercised a bit too much in his life to make him fat and tender, I'm thankful that we found one just to say we could taste it today!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
So many forget the thankfulness of the day and only focus on the turkey. And the tradition of America is a great meal set on the table this day in November.
But today amidst the craziness of our lives, I'm glad for a day to stop and give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for today.
First is God's great gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. That is amazing. I'm thankful for His Holy Spirit who intercedes for us when we don't have the words to do so and comforts us with a peace that passes all understanding.
I'm thankful that God called me to Moldova and gives me the great privilege of serving Him here.
I'm thankful for a wonderful husband and three wonderful girls who also love to live and serve in Moldova.
I'm thankful for Shauna, who has given this year to teach our girls, freeing my time.
I'm thankful for all of those who have given to build the Home of Hope and I'm thankful for Misha, Victor, Valentin and the rest of the crew over there that are doing such a beautiful job constructing the home. They give of their time (even if it is a job) so willingly and stay in the home, even still, when the heat is not quite yet in!
I'm thankful for each one who supports us in giving and in prayer.
I'm thankful for our health and our strength for each new day.
God has blessed us so much and it is good to stop and Thank him for all the blessings, even if the turkey has exercised a bit too much in his life to make him fat and tender, I'm thankful that we found one just to say we could taste it today!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tired of the Battle
Right now we are exhausted. Since returning to Moldova in August we have had one battle after another.
Our container is still not released in Ukraine. It is a waste of time to tell all that has gone on, but the fight with it continues and the shipping company there continues to make problems, although they had promised that the container would be released on Monday.
The problems continue to rise and we are really lost about what to do.
Please intercede for us. We are just lost about this and we are exhausted in the battle.
We want to just get this stuff done and be able to concentrate on the work we came here to do.
Our container is still not released in Ukraine. It is a waste of time to tell all that has gone on, but the fight with it continues and the shipping company there continues to make problems, although they had promised that the container would be released on Monday.
The problems continue to rise and we are really lost about what to do.
Please intercede for us. We are just lost about this and we are exhausted in the battle.
We want to just get this stuff done and be able to concentrate on the work we came here to do.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Family Matters
Please pray this week for my family in Minnesota.
Some of you know my dad has Alzheimer's. His disease is affecting his physical body faster than the deterioration of his mind. His care is becoming a 24/7 job that my mom just cannot manage alone. The wear on my mom's physical and emotional being is also very evident.
I'm very blessed to be the youngest of 6 children. Four of my siblings all live within a 20 minute radius of my parents. They have been meeting and this week they are going to talk to my parents about how they are going to need to make a change in their living situation. They just can't manage on their own any longer.
It is tough because my dad needs care, but his mind is still enough there that a memory care facility isn't right for him. My mom could still live many years easily on her own and so isn't quite ready for assisted living. But something has to happen that they can both deal with. They'll be married 54 years in March and to talk of splitting them up isn't easy either.
This week my brothers will talk with my dad and a nurse will evaluate him. They will also need to talk with my mom. The holidays are going to be very tough for my family there.
I ask you to pray for my family, the Horns, this week.
And I know you wonder how I'm doing. I'm okay with all of this. I have been dealing with this in a different way and maybe processing longer than the rest because I've been away so. I also knew last year that it was most likely my last year with my dad and that I'd be leaving him maybe for the last time when I boarded the plane in August. So, I'd been dealing with this for some time. But, yes, it is still hard to be slowly losing my dad.
I know that the weeks ahead are going to be hard for all those involved. Please pray for wisdom in words, grace and dignity in actions and peace in the storm as we cross one of these hurdles that is always a difficulty in life.
Thanks for your prayers, once again.
Blessings.
Some of you know my dad has Alzheimer's. His disease is affecting his physical body faster than the deterioration of his mind. His care is becoming a 24/7 job that my mom just cannot manage alone. The wear on my mom's physical and emotional being is also very evident.
I'm very blessed to be the youngest of 6 children. Four of my siblings all live within a 20 minute radius of my parents. They have been meeting and this week they are going to talk to my parents about how they are going to need to make a change in their living situation. They just can't manage on their own any longer.
It is tough because my dad needs care, but his mind is still enough there that a memory care facility isn't right for him. My mom could still live many years easily on her own and so isn't quite ready for assisted living. But something has to happen that they can both deal with. They'll be married 54 years in March and to talk of splitting them up isn't easy either.
This week my brothers will talk with my dad and a nurse will evaluate him. They will also need to talk with my mom. The holidays are going to be very tough for my family there.
I ask you to pray for my family, the Horns, this week.
And I know you wonder how I'm doing. I'm okay with all of this. I have been dealing with this in a different way and maybe processing longer than the rest because I've been away so. I also knew last year that it was most likely my last year with my dad and that I'd be leaving him maybe for the last time when I boarded the plane in August. So, I'd been dealing with this for some time. But, yes, it is still hard to be slowly losing my dad.
I know that the weeks ahead are going to be hard for all those involved. Please pray for wisdom in words, grace and dignity in actions and peace in the storm as we cross one of these hurdles that is always a difficulty in life.
Thanks for your prayers, once again.
Blessings.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Peace in the midst
Today the rain is falling. It is cold and seems that it could easily turn to snow. I just want to stay indoors! On Sunday morning the wind blew and it kept knocking out our power as I tried to get ready for Church. It would go off and on, off and on. This is the time of unexpected weather!
Our lives continue to hold the unexpected also. We still don't have permits in hand, but we've been told to relax and they will happen. So we are relaxing and we'll see what happens in early December.
And our container with our shipment is in port, has been paid by the company we work with all the way from the US to our fair city, but the trucking company in Ukraine is trying to extort money from us.
Yes, we can say these are spiritual battles and they are. But sometimes I think they are more battles to help us grow in Christ and to help us be formed spiritually. Things don't work right in this part of the world. The governments are corrupt. Our government here is more authoritarian. (No matter what your politics, be thankful for the checks and balances in America). So because of these things, there is a battle.
I think the battle is far beyond only our family. Yes, it is a huge frustration, but anyone who has lived overseas knows that the governments and systems overseas don't operate like in America and people that are corrupt routinely get away with it and get rich doing so. The battle is a spiritual battle not just for our family, but for the very soul of this country.
So please pray that we can quickly resolve the issue with the shipment. But also pray for a spiritual break through here in Moldova and for other countries that are held by such power of darkness.
I thank you also for your prayers because I do feel God's peace on my life in this time.
Our lives continue to hold the unexpected also. We still don't have permits in hand, but we've been told to relax and they will happen. So we are relaxing and we'll see what happens in early December.
And our container with our shipment is in port, has been paid by the company we work with all the way from the US to our fair city, but the trucking company in Ukraine is trying to extort money from us.
Yes, we can say these are spiritual battles and they are. But sometimes I think they are more battles to help us grow in Christ and to help us be formed spiritually. Things don't work right in this part of the world. The governments are corrupt. Our government here is more authoritarian. (No matter what your politics, be thankful for the checks and balances in America). So because of these things, there is a battle.
I think the battle is far beyond only our family. Yes, it is a huge frustration, but anyone who has lived overseas knows that the governments and systems overseas don't operate like in America and people that are corrupt routinely get away with it and get rich doing so. The battle is a spiritual battle not just for our family, but for the very soul of this country.
So please pray that we can quickly resolve the issue with the shipment. But also pray for a spiritual break through here in Moldova and for other countries that are held by such power of darkness.
I thank you also for your prayers because I do feel God's peace on my life in this time.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Found my friend
These last weeks have been extremely difficult. The stress of not knowing and wondering what we need to do has been huge. We are not all the way through this yet, as we still don't have documents, but we are assured they will come and so we wait.
Last Friday we were having coffee at our favorite cafe' and I found my friend, Nastia. I have written about her in the past. Many have prayed for her and written to ask how she is. Well, I couldn't find her. Several times I'd called her cell phone, but it was always off. This usually means someone has left that number. Nothing helped me to find her.
So in the restaurant Elissa says to me, "Mom, is that Nastia?" The woman was going down the stairs to leave the restaurant and I could not see her face. So I ran after the woman and said, "Nastia?" She turned and we had a happy reunion.
It is a long story of what has happened to her life in the past 1 1/2 years, but she is married to a Greek, has a beautiful baby girl and lives here and in Romania. It was just wonderful to see her, meet her husband and baby. They were leaving the country again that day, but she will be back in a few weeks and we will meet intentionally at that time. I'm so glad to have an answer to her where abouts. Thanks for your continued to prayers for her.
Last Friday we were having coffee at our favorite cafe' and I found my friend, Nastia. I have written about her in the past. Many have prayed for her and written to ask how she is. Well, I couldn't find her. Several times I'd called her cell phone, but it was always off. This usually means someone has left that number. Nothing helped me to find her.
So in the restaurant Elissa says to me, "Mom, is that Nastia?" The woman was going down the stairs to leave the restaurant and I could not see her face. So I ran after the woman and said, "Nastia?" She turned and we had a happy reunion.
It is a long story of what has happened to her life in the past 1 1/2 years, but she is married to a Greek, has a beautiful baby girl and lives here and in Romania. It was just wonderful to see her, meet her husband and baby. They were leaving the country again that day, but she will be back in a few weeks and we will meet intentionally at that time. I'm so glad to have an answer to her where abouts. Thanks for your continued to prayers for her.
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