For everything there is a season—a time of want and a time of plenty….
It is hard to think of seasons here in a land that seams to have none. I am shocked to find it already March, and yet the days are still the same: moderate changing to warm and partly cloudy. Most afternoons it rains now (thanks again for all your prayers!), but they all start out the same. Millie’s 4th birthday will be in 2 months, and that day will look just like today and just like Nori’s birthday back in November. This might not seem like a big deal (in fact it's convenient to be able to wear the same clothing year round!) but for someone who grew up in a land of very defined seasons, it's a bit disorienting at times.
Where as the seasons of the land are unchanging here, I feel that cannot be said of the seasons of the heart. We have been in the season of learning this past year… learning new languages and cultures takes a lot of brainpower. But now I feel we are entering a new season—a season of planting! Now that we have been here almost a year we are starting to lay down deep roots and plant God’s seeds here in this wild land. Please join us in praying for the seeds of our work and relationships both in Ukarumpa and in the communities around Ukarumpa to grow strong and deep and bear fruit.
Things to keep praying for:
- John is continuing with his work on the big water storage project that will be able to hold 2 days worth or water for the entire center in case of emergencies. They are currently pouring the concrete for the bases of these massive tanks that are more than 32 feet in diameter. Keep in mind that there's no cement trucks that can drive up here. It's a lot of manual labor!
- Designs are being finalized for our church building out at Kwina and more trees are being milled in the meantime. Thank you again for your prayers and financial support helping to bring this project underway!
- John will be going on a mission trip (that's funny, right?!) with a group of high school seniors at the end of this month. His role will be teaching and managing the kids with some building repairs for a multi language translation team. Please pray for these students and leaders and for the Markham valley communities that we aim to bless with God's Word.
And on a more personal note...
- We are surely still struggling with the few hours that each day seems to have. Keep praying that God will make it abundantly clear what He wants us to spend our time on each day. Pray that we know what to say no to and pray that we are better with taking time to communicate with those of you back in the States. We are straddling two worlds and it’s a juggling act we have yet to master!
- Tax season is upon us and the confusion of our new international living situation is here. Please pray for God's direction as we navigate this for the first time!
We miss you and love you, please write us back!
John and Kristi