Family

Hello Everyone!

It has been awhile since I posted. Here is a snapshot of what has been happening. We left Latvia intending to return to the States for a few weeks to participate in our niece's wedding. While here I went to see the doctor who was my family doctor before leaving California. He has some concerns about my level of pain and continuing back difficulties. He advised me to stay here for a few months, get some physical therapy and perhaps some further diagnostics for my back. The IMB agreed and so we are settled in temporary housing in Redlands, CA for the time being. I will see my doctor again Monday and I am waiting to hear from the physical therapist to begin PT.

What I really wanted to talk about today is "family". We have had the joy of spending time with our earthly families since we have been home. Kathy's sister and brother-in-law have been wonderful. They were extremely gracious as we stayed in their home for three weeks. They have loved us, cared for us and encouraged us. Nate also had the opportunity to get to know and play with his cousin Landyn.

We also had the chance to see my family. It was great to catch up. Even though we had not seen each other in over a year we still felt comfortable and loved around them.

The Bible talks about us being "members of one Body". Today I am thinking of this as being part of a big "extended family". We have been amazed at how much God has used our extended spiritual family to meet our needs. No matter where we have been, whether in Africa, in the USA, in Latvia, or anywhere else in the world, God has worked through our Christian family to meet our needs.

When we were preparing to move to Latvia our church family walked alongside us to help us get everything done that needed to be done. When we arrived in Latvia our Latvian brothers and sisters in Christ immediately reached out to us and secured an apartment for us. Our Latvian family continued to make sure that we had everything we needed from internet to transportation to accompanying us to the immigration office.

Now we have returned to the States to try to get my back issues dealt with. Through our extended spiritual family He has provided housing, transportation, household goods among other things. In addition, we have enjoyed the reconnecting with this spiritual family. I cannot tell you how many times we have heard (sincerely expressed) the words, "If you need anything, please call."

I am always humbled by God's grace to me, that "while I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me." However, more and more I find myself amazed not simply by what Christ saved me from but what He saved me to. We are truly blessed to be His children and to share His love in our great big extended family!

P.s. - Please take note of our new contact information. I will try to keep this information as up to date as possible during this time of transition.