Hello everyone!
Just a quick note to let you know that we are back in our "California House". We started referring to our house that way when we were explaining to Nate about where we "used" to live while we were in Latvia. The name just stuck. Our address again is: 7686 Alta Vista, Highland, CA 92346. Our home phone number remains: 951-837-4697. The rest of our contact information can be found in the left column of the blog.
While most of our belongings are in, we still have some things in Phoenix and Latvia, it will take us a little while to get re-settled. Please pray for us as we continue to work through our reintegration into Stateside life,get settled back into our home,and that God would reveal His plan for Paul's job situation.
Thanks for you love prayers and encouragement!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
9:19
Had a great day at the start of a new Bible Fellowship group for Young Adults 23+ called 9:19 at Immanuel Baptist Church. It feels great to be back teaching again on a regular basis. I also had a good time jetting over to the Branch Church for their first "official" Sunday as an independent church. It has been a good day.
In 9:19 we began a study of Philippians by looking at the account of the start of the church in Philippi from the Book of Acts. I am excited about digging in and drinking deeply from the well spring of God's Word!
Hope you had a great Sunday, the first of many great Sundays in 2010!
In 9:19 we began a study of Philippians by looking at the account of the start of the church in Philippi from the Book of Acts. I am excited about digging in and drinking deeply from the well spring of God's Word!
Hope you had a great Sunday, the first of many great Sundays in 2010!
Christmas 2009
Greetings from Sunny Southern California,
That’s right; we are still in Southern California. To make a long story short, after much discussion, prayer and consultation, the decision has been made that we will not be returning to the international field. The primary concern expressed by Paul’s doctors is related to the cumulative effect on Paul’s back of both weather and travel in the area where we were serving. At this point, Paul is doing well. On October 29th Paul had a “nerve ablation” procedure. In essence, a pain management specialist inserted a small electrode in three spots in Paul’s back and used high frequency radio waves to “burn” nerve endings in these areas. While he is still not “pain free”, this procedure has resulted in a tremendous amount of relief. Paul is now much more active and energetic. He can even give Nate piggy-back rides!
This has led us to another rather big decision to move back into our home in Highland, California. The family that has been renting the house has chosen to find another house and will be vacating at the end of January. Our current address is: 626 North Dearborn, Spc 103, Redlands, CA 92374. As of February 1st we will be receiving mail at our Highland address: 7686 Alta Vista, Highland, CA 92346. We are planning to take a week or two to clean, prepare and move into the house. We should be completely back in the house by February 13th.
So much has happened in the last few months it would take a lengthy letter to communicate it all. As this is a Christmas letter, and we understand that you all will be receiving lots cards and letters this season, let us simply say that God has been faithful in every way - from providing a safe and comfortable place to stay, to cars for us to drive, to a scholarship for Nate at preschool, to lots of toys for Nate to play with while we were waiting to retrieve our household goods from storage. In addition, Kathy was rehired at Prime Line Products in the position she was working before we left for Latvia. Not only was she rehired but they offered her the same telecommuting terms which means she will do much of her work from home and has flexibility in her schedule. We have always felt that this was important for Nate.
While we are praising God for His marvelous provision there are still needs we will have moving forward. The most critical is a job for Paul. He is actively seeking a job and has several applications out. There are also many friends “keeping an eye out” and forwarding his resume as the opportunity arises. Another major issue we will need to deal with is vehicles. Amazingly, God has already provided one car (and a very nice car at that) through the generosity of a friend but with us both needing to work we will need another vehicle as well. This also means that we will need to secure insurance for both the vehicles and for our house.
We so much appreciate all the love, encouragement and support we have received since our return to the States. We are looking forward to what God has for us in this latest season of our lives. We also look forward to seeing and spending time with friends and family. We covet your prayers as we re-integrate into life in the USA.
May God bless you with a wonderful Christmas and a terrific New Year!
Love,
Paul, Kathy & Nate
That’s right; we are still in Southern California. To make a long story short, after much discussion, prayer and consultation, the decision has been made that we will not be returning to the international field. The primary concern expressed by Paul’s doctors is related to the cumulative effect on Paul’s back of both weather and travel in the area where we were serving. At this point, Paul is doing well. On October 29th Paul had a “nerve ablation” procedure. In essence, a pain management specialist inserted a small electrode in three spots in Paul’s back and used high frequency radio waves to “burn” nerve endings in these areas. While he is still not “pain free”, this procedure has resulted in a tremendous amount of relief. Paul is now much more active and energetic. He can even give Nate piggy-back rides!
This has led us to another rather big decision to move back into our home in Highland, California. The family that has been renting the house has chosen to find another house and will be vacating at the end of January. Our current address is: 626 North Dearborn, Spc 103, Redlands, CA 92374. As of February 1st we will be receiving mail at our Highland address: 7686 Alta Vista, Highland, CA 92346. We are planning to take a week or two to clean, prepare and move into the house. We should be completely back in the house by February 13th.
So much has happened in the last few months it would take a lengthy letter to communicate it all. As this is a Christmas letter, and we understand that you all will be receiving lots cards and letters this season, let us simply say that God has been faithful in every way - from providing a safe and comfortable place to stay, to cars for us to drive, to a scholarship for Nate at preschool, to lots of toys for Nate to play with while we were waiting to retrieve our household goods from storage. In addition, Kathy was rehired at Prime Line Products in the position she was working before we left for Latvia. Not only was she rehired but they offered her the same telecommuting terms which means she will do much of her work from home and has flexibility in her schedule. We have always felt that this was important for Nate.
While we are praising God for His marvelous provision there are still needs we will have moving forward. The most critical is a job for Paul. He is actively seeking a job and has several applications out. There are also many friends “keeping an eye out” and forwarding his resume as the opportunity arises. Another major issue we will need to deal with is vehicles. Amazingly, God has already provided one car (and a very nice car at that) through the generosity of a friend but with us both needing to work we will need another vehicle as well. This also means that we will need to secure insurance for both the vehicles and for our house.
We so much appreciate all the love, encouragement and support we have received since our return to the States. We are looking forward to what God has for us in this latest season of our lives. We also look forward to seeing and spending time with friends and family. We covet your prayers as we re-integrate into life in the USA.
May God bless you with a wonderful Christmas and a terrific New Year!
Love,
Paul, Kathy & Nate
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Living in the USA
Hello Everyone!
Our time in the USA has been interesting to say the least. God has provided for all of our needs and we continue to praise Him. My recovery has not gone as well or as quickly as I would like. I continue to have physical therapy twice a week with an exercise regimen I do twice a day at home. We just heard today that our medical leave has been extended at least until August 8th. This is to facilitate diagnostic and treatment options.
Even in the midst of the struggle midst of the struggle God is faithful. There is a Casting Crowns song, "Praise You In This Storm", on Christian radio that has really ministered to me lately. The lyrics of the chorus are;
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
That's what I am doing and that's what I believe. No matter what I will remain faithful to my Lord. There is amazing comfort in knowing that "all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose." Both those conditions apply to me.
I hope that this finds all is well with you and yours. Please continue to pray for us as we pray for you.
Still seeking to serve,
Paul
Our time in the USA has been interesting to say the least. God has provided for all of our needs and we continue to praise Him. My recovery has not gone as well or as quickly as I would like. I continue to have physical therapy twice a week with an exercise regimen I do twice a day at home. We just heard today that our medical leave has been extended at least until August 8th. This is to facilitate diagnostic and treatment options.
Even in the midst of the struggle midst of the struggle God is faithful. There is a Casting Crowns song, "Praise You In This Storm", on Christian radio that has really ministered to me lately. The lyrics of the chorus are;
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
That's what I am doing and that's what I believe. No matter what I will remain faithful to my Lord. There is amazing comfort in knowing that "all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose." Both those conditions apply to me.
I hope that this finds all is well with you and yours. Please continue to pray for us as we pray for you.
Still seeking to serve,
Paul
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Latest
Hello Everyone,
I know it has been awhile since I posted. We have been in midst of transition and have been waiting until we got a little settled before I updated everyone. Here is what has been happening:
As you all know I have been dealing with serious back issues since last June which included major back surgery in August. On of the complications of my back issues and surgery was "facet joint inflammation" which the surgeon attributed primarily to climate. This led to the surgeon's strong recommendation that we relocate.
After a couple of months of discussion the decision was made for us to relocate to Macedonia. In a future post I will go into more detail regarding the position in Macedonia. During this time we were planning to return to the States to participate in the wedding of Kathy's niece. Because we were going to the States it was decided that we should go ahead and transition directly from the States to the new assignment. This part of the decision was communicated to us just 2 weeks before we were scheduled to leave for Phoenix. We suddenly went from packing for a vacation to packing for a move. Our belongings in Latvia (most of our personal goods have remained in storage in the USA pending a permanent address, but that's another story) are now in storage in Riga and a friend will arrange shipping for us when the time comes.
We traveled to the States and had the opportunity to spend a few days in Southern California before the wedding in Phoenix. While is Highland, CA, I took the opportunity to visit my previous family doctor to get his opinion and some anti-inflammatory medication. My doctor was very concerned about my level of pain this far post operative. While he thinks much of my pain may still be related to climate he recommended that we remain in the States for three months to have physical therapy, remain on the anti-inflammatory medication and see in the climate does allow for significant improvement in my condition. If there is not significant improvement then he would want to do further diagnostics and perhaps refer me to another ortho/spine specialist. We sent these recommendations on to our medical department and heard on Friday that they agree with the recommendations.
The bottom line of this that we are going to be staying in the Highland/Redlands area for the time being. When we have further contact information I will post it. Please continue to pray for us as we seek God's clear direction and timing in our lives. We are thankful for an agency that puts such a high priority on our health and well being. We also hope to have opportunity to see many of you during this unexpected extension of our time in the States.
I know it has been awhile since I posted. We have been in midst of transition and have been waiting until we got a little settled before I updated everyone. Here is what has been happening:
As you all know I have been dealing with serious back issues since last June which included major back surgery in August. On of the complications of my back issues and surgery was "facet joint inflammation" which the surgeon attributed primarily to climate. This led to the surgeon's strong recommendation that we relocate.
After a couple of months of discussion the decision was made for us to relocate to Macedonia. In a future post I will go into more detail regarding the position in Macedonia. During this time we were planning to return to the States to participate in the wedding of Kathy's niece. Because we were going to the States it was decided that we should go ahead and transition directly from the States to the new assignment. This part of the decision was communicated to us just 2 weeks before we were scheduled to leave for Phoenix. We suddenly went from packing for a vacation to packing for a move. Our belongings in Latvia (most of our personal goods have remained in storage in the USA pending a permanent address, but that's another story) are now in storage in Riga and a friend will arrange shipping for us when the time comes.
We traveled to the States and had the opportunity to spend a few days in Southern California before the wedding in Phoenix. While is Highland, CA, I took the opportunity to visit my previous family doctor to get his opinion and some anti-inflammatory medication. My doctor was very concerned about my level of pain this far post operative. While he thinks much of my pain may still be related to climate he recommended that we remain in the States for three months to have physical therapy, remain on the anti-inflammatory medication and see in the climate does allow for significant improvement in my condition. If there is not significant improvement then he would want to do further diagnostics and perhaps refer me to another ortho/spine specialist. We sent these recommendations on to our medical department and heard on Friday that they agree with the recommendations.
The bottom line of this that we are going to be staying in the Highland/Redlands area for the time being. When we have further contact information I will post it. Please continue to pray for us as we seek God's clear direction and timing in our lives. We are thankful for an agency that puts such a high priority on our health and well being. We also hope to have opportunity to see many of you during this unexpected extension of our time in the States.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Simple Lessons
We had been in Prague, Czech Republic, for five days at a special conference with colleagues, all of us having been on the field for around a year. Most of the people attending this conference had also been in orientation with us so it was a wonderful time of catching up and fellowship. Now it was time to return to Riga.
We were told that a shuttle van would be there to take us to the airport at 9:00. We were also told that it would be best if we were "at the curb" at that time for our pick up. There were four of our colleagues who were to take the same shuttle. Nate was anxious so we went out to the "curb" early while our friends waited in the hotel lobby for the shuttle to arrive.
We had only been standing there for a few minutes when one of our friends came out to tell us that there had been some sort of mix up and the shuttle would not be coming. I asked how would we get to the airport, and our friend said, "I don't know. The lady at the office just said the shuttle wasn't coming and she would work on how to get us to the airport."
As we went into the lobby God prompted me that this was a good teachable moment for Nate. We tell Nate all the time that we can stop and pray for anything. So when we were inside and Nate had gone to sit with his two "aunts" (our colleagues here are referred to as aunt and uncle to make it a little easier for the kids) I explained to Nate that the shuttle wasn't coming. I asked him what we should do. Nate said, "I don't know, what?" I replied, "I think you should pray to God and ask Him to send us a taxi or van to take us to the airport." Immediately, Nate folded his hands, bowed his head and said, "Dear God, could you please send us a taxi to take us to the airport. Amen." I thought, "This is good because whenever our ride to the airport comes we can thank God and Nate would see God answer his prayers."
Moments later I had one of those "Oh ye of little faith" moments. Within five minutes of Nate's prayer a taxi driver walked into the lobby, over to our group and said,"Pol Rid?" I looked somewhat in amazement and said, "Paul Reed?" "Yes", said the driver. "I take you to the airport." I looked over to my precious little son and said, "Nate, God sent us a taxi. What should we do now?" Nate bowed his head and said, "Thank you God for sending a taxi for us. Amen" Once again I was amazed and humbled by my son's believing faith.
We were told that a shuttle van would be there to take us to the airport at 9:00. We were also told that it would be best if we were "at the curb" at that time for our pick up. There were four of our colleagues who were to take the same shuttle. Nate was anxious so we went out to the "curb" early while our friends waited in the hotel lobby for the shuttle to arrive.
We had only been standing there for a few minutes when one of our friends came out to tell us that there had been some sort of mix up and the shuttle would not be coming. I asked how would we get to the airport, and our friend said, "I don't know. The lady at the office just said the shuttle wasn't coming and she would work on how to get us to the airport."
As we went into the lobby God prompted me that this was a good teachable moment for Nate. We tell Nate all the time that we can stop and pray for anything. So when we were inside and Nate had gone to sit with his two "aunts" (our colleagues here are referred to as aunt and uncle to make it a little easier for the kids) I explained to Nate that the shuttle wasn't coming. I asked him what we should do. Nate said, "I don't know, what?" I replied, "I think you should pray to God and ask Him to send us a taxi or van to take us to the airport." Immediately, Nate folded his hands, bowed his head and said, "Dear God, could you please send us a taxi to take us to the airport. Amen." I thought, "This is good because whenever our ride to the airport comes we can thank God and Nate would see God answer his prayers."
Moments later I had one of those "Oh ye of little faith" moments. Within five minutes of Nate's prayer a taxi driver walked into the lobby, over to our group and said,"Pol Rid?" I looked somewhat in amazement and said, "Paul Reed?" "Yes", said the driver. "I take you to the airport." I looked over to my precious little son and said, "Nate, God sent us a taxi. What should we do now?" Nate bowed his head and said, "Thank you God for sending a taxi for us. Amen" Once again I was amazed and humbled by my son's believing faith.
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