We began this year living in Missouri, yet preparing for a move to England to work with WEC International. So, now at the end of 2009 we are living in England, yet preparing to leave WEC International and England to move to Zambia possibly in Feb 2010.
We have had a good year in England, of course accompanied with the normal challenges of settling in to a new home and culture. Back in the spring we found a great group of friends for the children through a small group of Christian homeschoolers.
We have also been blessed to find a church that we can call home. We have been amazed at the generous hospitality which the church members have shown us. The homes in England are so much smaller than the ones in the US, yet that has not stopped our large family of 8 from being invited over to their homes for dinner on several occasions.
The work at WEC has been challenging yet rewarding as Gary has helped to oversee the major roof work that commenced here shortly after our arrival. He has also dealt with some major structural issues and is currently rehabbing two apartments that are needed for new workers.
The Lord has also been so generous to us in providing all of our needs. We arrived here with no money left to purchase a vehicle, but God has provided. We have actually been given two vehicles, a VW Polo, which is great when just a few of us need to run around town and also a large 8 seater Toyota van which has been perfect when we needed to go out as a family.
In the beginning of September the Lord also blessed us with the opportunity to go on vacation in Wales with 60 other Christian homeschool families. What a joy that was to allow the kids so much freedom, knowing they were safe in the environment. Then at the end of September Gary’s Mom came to visit. She was able to stay for 2 weeks and we took her to visit several different parts of the country, including Bath, London, a day trip to the beach on the North Sea, a stream train ride through the North Yorkshire Moors and the children’s favorite – Legoland.
We have also had the privilege of spending time with Michelle’s family including meeting her brother’s son for the first time and being here when her sister gave birth to their first child just a few weeks ago.
The kids have done really well with the transition to England. Obviously, like us, they miss their friends in America, but don’t complain often and seem quite happy here.
As I said at the beginning of the post, it has been a good year. Actually, an incredible year, as we have watched and seen the Lord's provision, love and guidance for us.
We are excited, about what the Lord has planned for us during 2010. We know that it will be good, because all His plans are good (not always easy, but good).
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during this year and we pray the Lord will bless you and your families in the year to come.
Michelle
1 comment:
Oh my friend, I absolutely cannot wait to see what 2010 holds for your family. It is soooooo exciting. I am so excited to see how things unfold and how the Father is about to open doors you never imagined possible. So amazing.
Thank you for the gift of your friendship this year. I am so thankful! Can't wait to journey with you into the new year.
Post a Comment